Israeli PM Olmert to Resign Amid Corruption Investigations

July 31.- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced his resignation Wednesday, months after becoming the target of two corruption investigations. Olmert will remain prime minister until September 17, when his Kadima party will hold an election to choose a new leader. Palestinian legislator Mustafa Barghouti predicted Olmert’s resignation will mark the end of the Annapolis peace talks.

Mustafa Barghouti: “He shot Annapolis yesterday, when he declared that there is no possibility of reaching an agreement by the end of the year. He destroyed Annapolis by declaring that Jerusalem is not part of the discussion. And today, by this resignation, probably he’s providing the ammunition to kill finally the Annapolis process completely…"
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Exit throws his country into political chaos

... Olmert announced Wednesday he will step down as Israel's premier, throwing his country into political turmoil and raising doubts about prospects for delicate peace efforts with both the Palestinians and Syria.

Reading from a text in the courtyard of his official Jerusalem residence, Olmert railed: "I was forced to defend myself against relentless attacks from self-appointed 'fighters for justice' who sought to depose me from my position, when the ends sanctified all the means."

Signaling an end to a long public career clouded by corruption allegations, Olmert said he would not run in his party's primary election Sept. 17 and would step down afterward to allow his successor to form a government ...

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