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Israeli president to leave post Israeli president 'to leave post'
(about 1 hour later)
Israeli President Moshe Katsav has asked the speaker of parliament for leave of absence from his post. Israeli President Moshe Katsav is to ask for leave of absence, a day after after being told he is likely to face charges of rape and abuse of power.
This follows moves to indict him on charges including rape. Mr Katsav, 61, denies the allegations and has vowed to clear his name.
Mr Katsav, who denies any wrongdoing, has faced calls from ministers and MPs for his immediate resignation from his mainly ceremonial position. Correspondents say it seems Mr Katsav is stopping short of formally resigning from his largely ceremonial post.
The president, who has not yet been legally indicted, is under increasing pressure from ministers and members of parliament to step down.
The unprecedented case is among several scandals currently affecting Israeli politicians, that are 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 attorney-general announced that Mr Katsav will be charged with offences including rape, obstruction of justice and fraud. A spokeswoman for Mr Katsav said the president would hold a news conference at 1900 (1700 GMT).
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 Impeachment moves
Under Israeli law, a parliamentary committee would have to approve any leave of absence, parliamentary spokesman Giora Pordes said. An official at the Israeli parliament confirmed to the BBC that a letter from President Katsav had been received.
There has been no public comment from Mr Katsav's office. 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 In it Mr Katsav says he is temporarily unable to fulfil his duties and would therefore be asking for a leave of absence.
Criminal proceedings cannot begin while the president remains in office, but his seven-year term ends later in 2007. A parliamentary committee would have to approve such a move.
But left-wing Knesset members have started canvassing support for an impeachment hearing in parliament. On Tuesday, the attorney-general said Mr Katsav would be charged with offences including rape, obstruction of justice and fraud.
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. The accusations, brought by four women, date back several years.
If found guilty, Mr Katsav could face up to 16 years in prison.
Criminal proceedings cannot begin while the president remains in office, but his seven-year term ends later this year.
Some members of the Israeli parliament (Knesset) have begun moves to impeach Mr Katsav.
Twenty MPs' signatures are needed for an impeachment. Ninety votes in the120-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. 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 The formal indictment against Mr Katsav will only be filed after a special hearing between his legal team and state prosecutors, which could take several weeks..
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.
Defence lawyers have expressed confidence that the case will be dropped at that hearing.Defence lawyers have expressed 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 lawyer David Libai.
Controversial portraits The office of president is invested with great dignity and prestige in the Israeli political system, but powers are limited.
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."
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 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.
The office is invested with great dignity and prestige in the Israeli political system, but powers are limited. They include pardoning prisoners.