Livnat wants Olmert to stop
Photo: AFP
Likud MK petitions High Court: Order Olmert to end peace talks
Knesset Member Limor Livnat says resigning prime minster must not engage in peace talks
Likud Knesset Member Limor Livnat petitioned the High Court of justice Monday, urging judges to rule that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert must immediately end negotiations with Syria and the Palestinian Authority. Livnat says talks should only be renewed once a new government is formed.
Over the weekend, PM Olmert was reported to eye the renewal of talks with Syria, despite the upcoming elections and that fact that he is currently leading a transition government. Subsequently, Livnat turned to Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, who ruled that the prime minister may go ahead with the talks.
Following this ruling, Livnat petitioned the High Court, demanding that Mazuz order Olmert to stop negotiations at once.
In her petition, Livnat notes that Olmert does not serve as Kadima's chairman, and therefore will not be serving as the next prime minister.
"We are dealing with processes whose implications could significantly affect the country for many years to come," Livnat wrote in her petition. "Such negotiations must not be conducted by a resigning prime minister.
Livnat also noted that the talks held by Olmert could limit the maneuverability of the next prime minister, saying the current PM may use the months left in office inappropriate in a bid to leave his mark on history.
