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Peres addresses Kadima members
Photo: Yaron Brenner

I’m quitting political life, says Peres

Kadima members bid farewell to newly appointed president. ‘I ask that you continue being active in political affairs and utilize your connections to nurture and strengthen Israel’s ties,’ Olmert tells Peres

Kadima party members on Thursday bade farewell to President Shimon Peres, who joined the party just a short while after its inception a year-and-a-half ago and played a significant role in its March 2006 general elections victory.

 

“I’ve decided to use my presidential authority and resign from political life,” Peres said jokingly.

 

The president asked the Kadima members not to succumb to the incessant criticism directed at the party.

 


Olmert gives present to Peres at Kadima event (Photo: Yaron Brenner)

 

“I’m quitting the party, but this does not mean I have to resign from my friendship with you,” he said. “Hopefully this friendship will be preserved for the betterment of the country.”

 

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Peres, “we wanted you as president not because we wanted to part ways with you, but because we wanted to put you in the forefront, where you can give expression to your experience and influence.

 

“You are a great diplomatic asset to Israel,” the PM said.

 

As a gift Peres received a doll in his image with the words ‘Kadima (onward) to the President’s Residence’ written on it.

 

Olmert added: “I ask that you continue being active in political affairs and utilize your connections to nurture and strengthen Israel’s ties.”

 

Kadima member Dalia Itzik, who served as acting president in the few months that followed Moshe Katsav’s suspension, said “even the cynics will admit that Kadima is alive and kicking. Our prime minister had a rough year.

 

"This is a great government. It’s true, there was a very difficult war, but believe me, I don’t know any other politician who could withstand what our prime minister withstood during the past year.” 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.26.07, 22:11
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