Olmert says he'll quit as PM
2008-07-30 20:11
Jerusalem - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced on Wednesday he would resign in September, throwing his country into political turmoil in a move that could stall United States-backed Mideast peace efforts.
Olmert said he would not run in his party's primary election, set for September 17, and would step down afterward "in order to allow the chairperson to be elected and form a different government quickly and efficiently".
Olmert's brief address included harsh criticism of police investigations of corruption allegations against him. He said he was choosing the public good over his personal justice.
He has denied wrongdoing, but pledged to resign if indicted.
His decision not to run in the September 17 Kadima Party primary sets in motion a process to choose a new prime minister.
If Olmert's successor as party leader can form a coalition, Israel could have a new government in October. If not, an election campaign could take several months.
- AP