Talansky: Olmert always said he'd return the money

On last day of cross-examination, key witness in corruption case asked by prime minister's lawyers about funds he gave Olmert to pay for flights, luxury hotels: 'I would argue with him and tell him I have no money, but he always said he needed my help'

Aviad Glickman
Published: 07.22.08, 14:02 / Israel News

The fifth and last day of US businessman Morris Talansky's cross-examination by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's lawyers dealt with funds transferred to Olmert and his former bureau chief Shula Zaken.

Talansky is considered the key witness in the latest corruption affair involving the prime minister.

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Attorney Eli Zohar read out segments from Talanky's police interrogation, according to which Zaken asked the US businessman to pay for Olmert's stay and flights to New York.

"For part of the expenses," Talansky replied. "In one event, the organization did not want to pay for a first class ticket, so I gave Olmert cash." Zohar asked, "Did you pay for Olmert's ticket." Talansky responded, "Yes, I did."

Zohar asked Talansky to address his remarks to the police that he funded Olmert's stay at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. "It was a loan," said Talansky. "Why didn't you tell the police is was a loan?" asked Zohar. "I want to tell the truth. It was a loan," Talansky replied.

"During your interrogations you did not mention the word 'loan' when talking about Zaken and Olmert. But when they asked you about (the prime minister's former associate Uri) Messer, you remembered to talk about loans. When talking about Zaken and Olmert you mentioned donations and expenses." Talansky confirmed Zohar's remarks.

Zohar read out another segment from Talansky's interrogation, in which he said he could not recall loaning money to Olmert during the latter's tenure as minister, but only when he was mayor. This was confirmed by Talansky. Zohar went on to claim that Talansky only paid for Olmert's expenses.

"Olmert was a mayor and a close friends and I tried to comply with his requests in any way possible," the US businessman said. "When he said he would pay me back, I believed him. We had a close relationship, but he hasn't spoken to me since becoming prime minister. He is a buy man. There is no hostility between us."

Zohar asked Talansky for how long he gave Olmert the loans. The key witness replied, "For as long as he needs them. That's what friends are for. I gave him three loans. I can't remember when, but I remember giving them to him. Each time I would argue with him and ask why he needs it and tell him I have no money. He always said, 'I'm asking for your help, I'll pay you back.' I wouldn’t interrogate him on why he needs the money."

Efrat Weiss contributed to this report

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