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Photo: Amos Ben Gershon
Press conference with Olmert and Annan
Photo: Amos Ben Gershon

Olmert: Commission's makeup fitting

PM defends his decision to appoint government commission of inquiry, praises members of the commission. Regarding state comptroller, says he has no intention of interfering with his authority

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert responded Wednesday to critics berating his decision to appoint a government commission of inquiry to examine the management of the Lebanon war. "The makeup of the commission is very fitting. These are people possessed of knowledge, capabilities, experience and understanding. It seems to me that this is also the public's impression of the commission's makeup that I presented."

 

Olmert was asked to address the issue during a joint press conference that he convened with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

 

"The commission that I appointed, led by former Chief of the Mossad Nahum Admoni, and comprised of Prof. Ruth Gabison, Maj. Gen. (res.) Yedidia Ya'ari, Maj. Gen. (res) David Ivri and Prof Yehezkel Drori is a serious, responsible, independent group, with a great deal of experience that can fulfill this task in the best way possible," he responded.

 

"In the arena that the commission has been asked to investigate, they will be given all the means, all the opportunities, all the requisite information to do their job," he added.

 

Olmert also addressed statements made by the state comptroller, who said that the prime minister cannot encroach on issues under his control. The PM clarified that he had merely expressed a desire to ask the comptroller to examine certain issues – as is his right in accordance with government regulations (clause 21) - and that it is his intention to propose the issue for cabinet approval.

 

Nonetheless, he emphasized that "other things that the comptroller wishes to examine are within his jurisdiction – he is authorized to investigate them and he does not require our permission. We also have no intention to interfere with his investigation of these things as he sees fit."

 

In recent days, lawyers told Ynet that the Admoni commission has no real power, and stressed the problematic nature inherent in a subject appointing his investigators. Retired high court judge Eliahu Maza said that he doubts that the commission will be able to get to the bottom of things and discover the truth.

 

Tuesday night, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz said that he intends to aid the process of determining the commission's precise jurisdiction.

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.30.06, 11:40
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