“IDF Radio" (Galei Zahal) reports that the attorneys of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert last night decided to appeal to the Supreme Court the decision of the Jerusalem District Court to allow law enforcement agencies to collect early testimony from US businessman Morris Talansky, who is a key witness against Olmert.
The attorneys said that, so long as the Israel Police investigation against Olmert has not been completed and they have not received the material in the file, no effective cross examination of Talansky can be made. The attorneys for Olmert's former director of the Prime Minister's Bureau, Shula Zaken, are expected to join the appeal.
Last week, the district court accepted the request of the police and State Prosecutor's Office to collect early testimony from Talansky. The judges said that Talansky expressed concern that Olmert would send agents to harm him because of his testimony against Olmert. State Prosecutor Moshe Lador said that the prime minister had no such intention.
Earlier yesterday, Olmert said that he would not resign unless an indictment was filed against him. "No one is irreplaceable, but under the present circumstances, I don’t think that I should resign at this time."
At press conference called immediately after the gag order on the case was partly lifted last Thursday night, Olmert said, "I have never taken a bribe. I have never taken a penny personally. Even though the law does not mandate it, I will resign if the Attorney General decides to indict me.
Hebrew daily "Ma'ariv" reports today that Adv. Uri Messer, one of Olmert's closest associates, gave the police incriminating testimony against Olmert. He said, "I gave Olmert envelopes full of cash. I operated with the knowledge of Olmert and on his behalf."
At the press conference, Olmert passed the buck to Messer. Olmert said, "The campaign money for various elections were given to Messer, and I have no doubt that he managed the money professionally and in compliance with the law."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 11, 2008
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2008