Solana: Likud gov't will be difficult
Photo: AP
Livni, Itzik meet for debate
Photo: Nitzan Lotem
Solana: Unity gov't preferable for peace
EU chief's remarks coincide with Kadima's deliberation on whether to join Likud-run coalition
European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana says a national unity government of the Kadima and Likud political parties would benefit Middle East peace talks, but that a government led by Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu "would be more difficult."
Solana's remarks Friday followed a meeting between Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni and Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik (Kadima), during which Itzik recommended to Livni that the party refrain from joining any coalition run by Netanyahu.
Difficult Decisions
Attila Somfalvi
Party officials who spoke to chairwoman say she won't rush to join Netanyahu-led coalition featuring Shas, Yisrael Beiteinu; associate says Livni to make 'dramatic announcement' on Sunday
Kadima is scheduled to hold a debate over the matter on Sunday, but Livni has already hinted that the party may take up a spot in the opposition.
Opinions on whether Kadima should join a Likud-run government are divided amongst its members. Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit has said the party should sit in the opposition, and Immigrant Absorption Minister Eli Aflalo said he was opposed to any government run by Netanyahu.
"The public that voted for us would not like to see us as secondary partners in any government. Judging by the current situation our contribution in the opposition would be greater and more respectable," Aflalo remarked.
But others were in favor of a unity government. Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim, recognized as an affiliate of Livni's second in command, Shaul Mofaz, told Ynet that Kadima must join the coalition, even if it is run by Likud. "Everything must be done in order to assemble a stable government for the good of the country," he said.
If Kadima joins a Likud-run government it will put itself in line for at least eight ministerial positions as well as a number of Knesset committee slots. As many as 14 Kadima members could win prime spots in the government if the party decides to join Netanyahu's coalition.
AP contributed to this report
