Livni, Barak meet to discuss future cooperation
Aides to Kadima, Labor leaders say any such meeting advances formation of new government
Sources close to the foreign minister said any such meeting advances the formation of a new government. The two mainly discussed ways for future cooperation between the defense minister and designated prime minister, as well as Barak's involvement in diplomatic issues such as peace negotiations.
Sources close to Barak said that the two also discussed social-economic issues and the need to solve problems of populations such as the pensioners.
"Any meeting moves us closer to the government, but we are not there yet," said an aide to the defense minister. "Barak and Livni did not go down to the real resolutions of the problems, but discussed most of them in detail."
The Labor faction is expected to meet Thursday morning to discuss the party's demands and hear the faction members' views on the coalition talks.
Talks with Meretz, Shas
After being tasked by President Shimon Peres with forming the new government on Monday, Livni called on Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu to join her in establishing a unity government.
An aide to Livni slammed the opposition leader for saying he would rather call general elections.
"Netanyahu proved in his decision that he once again favors his personal interest over the national interests," the associate said, noting that the Likud chairman had admitted in the past that he was wrong to not form a unity government.
Meretz faction members and the party's management are expected to meet Thursday to discuss preparations for possible coalition negotiations with the Kadima party.
Meretz Chairman Chaim Oron met Wednesday with Livni's representative, Yisrael Maimon and Attorney Yoram Raved.
The party said in a statement that "Meretz will examine a possibility of joining the government based on the negotiations with the Palestinians and Syrians, and the desire to truly deal with social-economic issues."
Meanwhile, Shas Chairman Eli Yishai appointed Attorney David Glass and Prof. Yohanan Shatsman to hold coalition talks with Kadima. He instructed them that the Jerusalem issue should not be discussed and that there should be no compromise on the child allowance issue.
