Livni. Big winner
צילום: ירון ברנר
Clinton, Rice congratulate Livni
Newly elected Kadima chairwoman receives praise from world leaders including US Democratic senator, secretary of state, as well as Egyptian President Mubarak, Quartet envoy Blair, various foreign ministers
In honor of her victory in the Kadima Party primary elections, newly elected Chairwoman Tzipi Livni has received dozens of calls and letters from around the world commending her on her new office. Among
those saluting Livni were US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
US Senator Hillary Clinton, who was not victorious in her race for presidential candidacy in the Democratic Party, also called Livni. She congratulated the new chairwoman and wished her the best of luck.
Livni's counterparts from all over the world also commended her on the win. Foreign ministers from Egypt, Germany, and the UK have already launched congratulatory letters, and Livni's office is expecting calls from France, Jordan, Hungary, Turkey, and Middle East Quartet Envoy Tony Blair.
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said earlier he hoped Israel and the Palestinians will be able to conduct serious negotiations on the subject of a permanent arrangement.
Following Livni's victory Erekat expressed hopes that Israel would dismantle the settlements and the separation fence under her supervision. "The only option we have is to end Israeli occupation," he said. "The elections in Israel are an internal matter, but we hope it will enable the return to stability."
