Israel election date unchanged
2006-01-05 10:48
Jerusalem - Israeli government and parliamentary officials insisted on Thursday that a March 28 general election would go ahead on time despite Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffering a brain haemorrhage.
"A delay would signal a period of instability for the state of Israel which is undesirable," said Transport Minister Meir Sheetrit, a member of Sharon's main governing Kadima party.
The speaker of the Israeli parliament also said that the election should take place on the date laid down.
"We should maintain the election date and elect a new prime minister," said Reuven Rivlin.
Sharon's Kadima party had been expected to canter to victory in the election, but commentators are rapidly revising their forecasts with Sharon thought unlikely to be able to return to high office.
- SAPA