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Israeli president 'to leave post' Katsav 'will resign if indicted'
(about 1 hour later)
Israeli President Moshe Katsav is to ask for leave of absence, a day after being told he is likely to face charges of rape and abuse of power. Israeli President Moshe Katsav has strongly denied allegations of rape and abuse of power, but has vowed to resign if he is formally charged.
Mr Katsav, 61, denies the allegations and has vowed to clear his name. In an emotionally-charged news conference, Mr Katsav said he would fight to clear his name, "even if it means a world war".
Correspondents say it seems Mr Katsav is stopping short of formally resigning from his largely ceremonial post. He railed against a reporter from Israel's Channel 2 television, accusing it of leading a campaign against him.
The president, who has not yet been legally indicted, is under increasing pressure from ministers and members of parliament to step down. Mr Katsav has asked for a temporary leave of absence from his post.
The unprecedented case is among several scandals currently surrounding Israeli politicians. He made the request in a letter to the Israeli parliament, or Knesset. A parliamentary committee would have to approve such a move.
A spokeswoman for Mr Katsav said the president would hold a news conference at 1900 (1700 GMT). The president, who has not yet been legally indicted, is under increasing pressure from ministers and MPs to step down.
But he has vowed to stay in office to fight the allegations.
"Don't believe the libel, the defamation, the lies," he said. "There is only one truth... I am the target of one of the worst attacks in the history of the state of Israel."
Dismissal movesDismissal moves
An official at the Israeli parliament confirmed to the BBC that a letter from President Katsav had been received. The attorney general said on Tuesday that Mr Katsav would be charged with offences including rape, obstruction of justice and fraud.
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. But the formal indictment will only be filed after a special hearing between his legal team and state prosecutors, which could take several weeks.
A parliamentary committee would have to approve such a move.
On Tuesday, the attorney-general said Mr Katsav would be charged with offences including rape, obstruction of justice and fraud.
The accusations, brought by four women, date back several years.The accusations, brought by four women, date back several years.
If found guilty, Mr Katsav could face up to 16 years in prison. Defence lawyers have expressed confidence that the case will be dropped at the special hearing.
Criminal proceedings cannot begin while the president remains in office, but his seven-year term ends later this year.
Some 30 members of the Israeli parliament (Knesset) have signed a petition to begin moves to have Mr Katsav dismissed, Israeli media reported.
Special hearing
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.
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 lawyer David Libai."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.
If the case does go to trial and if he is found guilty, Mr Katsav could face up to 16 years in prison.
The office of president is invested with great dignity and prestige in the Israeli political system, but powers are limited.The office of president is invested with great dignity and prestige in the Israeli political system, but powers are limited.
Criminal proceedings cannot begin while the president remains in office, but his seven-year term ends later this year.
Some 30 members of the Knesset have signed a petition to begin moves to have Mr Katsav dismissed, Israeli media reported.