"Israeli" Minister Quits Olmert"s Coalition

Source: Alalam.ir, 16-1-2008
Al-Quds--Hawkish "Israeli" occupying regime lawmaker Avigdor Lieberman announced Wednesday his faction is leaving Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's coalition regime.
The withdrawal jolted Olmert's regime just when he needs a broad base of support for peace moves in efforts to reach a final deal with the Palestinians by the end of the year.
The right-wing party quit Olmert's coalition, condemning his peace efforts with the Palestinians in a move that still left him with a parliamentary majority.
"A few minutes ago, I spoke to the prime minister and I also gave him a written announcement of our departure from the coalition and my resignation from the government," Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman told a news conference.
Lieberman made good on his threat to quit the coalition once talks with the Palestinians moved to discussing "core issues" including borders and the fate of Al-Quds and Palestinian refugees, which must be resolved to end decades of conflict.
"Negotiations on the basis of land for peace are a mistake ... and will destroy us," Lieberman said.
Y"Israel" Beitenu has 11 seats in the 120-member legislature. After its departure, Olmert's coalition will control 67 seats.
"Israeli" occupying regime and the Palestinian Authority chief opened their most serious talks in seven years on Monday, urged by US President George W. Bush to reach a deal within a year.
But domestic troubles have weakened Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas in their home constituencies.
"Israeli" officials said Olmert was seeking a deal that would outline a "framework" for a Palestinian state with implementation delayed until the Palestinians can ensure "Israel's" security.
Abbas wants a final peace treaty enabling him to declare a state by the end of the year.
Olmert may face new calls to resign after an inquiry into the 2006 Lebanon war issues its final report on Jan 30.