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Israeli president 'will not quit' Israeli president to leave post
(about 2 hours later)
Israel's President Moshe Katsav is not intending to step down, despite moves to indict him on charges including rape, his lawyers say. Israeli President Moshe Katsav has asked the speaker of parliament for leave of absence from his post.
Mr Katsav, who denies any wrongdoing, is expected to clarify his position in a news conference later on Wednesday. This follows moves to indict him on charges including rape.
Some MPs and newspaper editorials have called for him to resign from his mainly ceremonial position immediately. Mr Katsav, who denies any wrongdoing, has faced calls from ministers and MPs for his immediate resignation from his mainly ceremonial position.
The unprecedented case is among several scandals affecting Israeli politicians, causing serious political uncertainty. The unprecedented case is among several scandals currently affecting Israeli politicians, that are causing serious political uncertainty.
On Tuesday, Israel's top legal official, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, announced his decision to charge Mr Katsav with offences including rape, sexual harassment, obstruction of justice and fraud. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney-general announced that Mr Katsav will be charged with offences including rape, obstruction of justice and fraud.
Proceedings cannot begin while President Katsav remains in office, but his seven-year term ends later in 2007. It will become clear he is the victim of trumped-up charges and a failed attempt to oust him David LibaiDefence lawyer class="" href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/6294315.stm">Press demand Katsav resigns
Under Israeli law, a parliamentary committee would have to approve any leave of absence, parliamentary spokesman Giora Pordes said.
There has been no public comment from Mr Katsav's office.
Criminal proceedings cannot begin while the president remains in office, but his seven-year term ends later in 2007.
But left-wing Knesset members have started canvassing support for an impeachment hearing in parliament.
Twenty MPs' signatures are needed for an impeachment. Ninety votes in the 120-seat body would be needed for dismissal, although this number is reportedly being reviewed.
Special hearingSpecial hearing
Israel radio has reported that Mr Katsav is due to hold a news conference at 1730 GMT. Israel radio has reported that Mr Katsav is due to hold a news conference at 1730 GMT. Given the type of accusations... is more appropriate for him to conduct his fight to prove his innocence from outside the president's residence Tzipi LivniJustice Minister
His lawyers have suggested he may ask to be temporarily suspended from office to fight the charges. The formal indictment against Mr Katsav will only be filed after a special hearing for the president to state his case, Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz has decided.
It will become clear he is the victim of trumped-up charges and a failed attempt to oust him David LibaiDefence lawyer Defence lawyers have expressed confidence that the case will be dropped at that hearing.
A temporary suspension would have to be approved by the House Committee of the Israeli Knesset, or parliament.
But a left-wing Knesset members have started canvassing support for an impeachment hearing in parliament.
Twenty MPs' signatures are needed for an impeachment; 90 votes in the 120-seat body would be needed for dismissal, although this number is reportedly being reviewed.
The indictment will only be filed after a special hearing for the president to state his case, Mr Mazuz has decided.
Defence lawyers express confidence that the case will be dropped at that hearing.
"It will become clear that he is the victim of trumped-up charges and a failed attempt to oust him from his position and he will fight to prove his innocence," said David Libai on Tuesday."It will become clear that he is the victim of trumped-up charges and a failed attempt to oust him from his position and he will fight to prove his innocence," said David Libai on Tuesday.
Controversial portraitsControversial portraits
One of the strongest calls for resignation came from Education Minister Yuli Tamir, who said his continued presence was an "embarrassment".One of the strongest calls for resignation came from Education Minister Yuli Tamir, who said his continued presence was an "embarrassment".
"It is impossible to educate students to respect the presidential institution and ask them to hang pictures in every school of a president charged with grave offences.""It is impossible to educate students to respect the presidential institution and ask them to hang pictures in every school of a president charged with grave offences."
Justice Minister, also Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, has said resignation would be "the appropriate action".Justice Minister, also Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, has said resignation would be "the appropriate action".
Iranian-born Mr Katsav, 60, was a journalist before standing for parliament as a candidate for the right-wing Likud party in 1977. Iranian-born Mr Katsav, 60, was a journalist before standing for parliament as a candidate for the Likud party in 1977.
He was the first member of a right-wing political party to become Israeli president, beating off the challenge of Labour veteran Shimon Peres in 2000.He was the first member of a right-wing political party to become Israeli president, beating off the challenge of Labour veteran Shimon Peres in 2000.
The office is invested with great dignity and prestige in the Israeli political system, but powers are limited. They include pardoning prisoners.The office is invested with great dignity and prestige in the Israeli political system, but powers are limited. They include pardoning prisoners.