Olmert to stand down in two months
Thursday, 31 Jul 2008 08:53
Ehud Olmert will stand down from office in two months time
Israel/Palestine In Focus
Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert announced yesterday that he will stand down in two months time.
Mr Olmert told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday that an ongoing corruption case was hurting his family and vowed to prove his innocence.
He said he would step down as prime minister once his Kadima party chose a successor in elections on September 17th.
Mr Olmert, 62, is being investigated over allegations he received money from a US business in 2006.
The prime minister has been facing mounting pressure to resign and sources claim he would have faced a humiliating defeat if he stood in the September elections.
He has denied any wrong doing but claimed the police investigation was turning public opinion against him.
"I have made mistakes and I regret it," he said.
"I will quit my duties in an honourable, just and responsible manner, as I have acted throughout my mandate. I will then prove my innocence.
"I continue to believe with all my heart that the achievement of peace, combating terror, strengthening our security, and the realisation of a different type of relationship with our neighbours are all necessary goals for the future of the state of Israel," he added.