Israeli PM Olmert announces resignation

Israeli PM Olmert announces resignation

21.09.2008

ISRAELI Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced his resignation at a cabinet meeting today, but the scandal-hit leader could remain in office for weeks or months until a new government is formed.

In broadcast remarks, Mr Olmert said he was announcing his decision "to resign from my post as prime minister of Israel".

Mr Olmert, who faces criminal indictment in corruption investigations, said at the weekly cabinet session that he believed he was acting "properly and in accordance with good governance" in stepping down.

It was not immediately clear when Mr Olmert would formally submit his resignation to President Shimon Peres.

After he does so, he will become caretaker prime minister until Israel has a new government through a coalition deal or an early election.

Mr Olmert was replaced by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni as leader of the ruling Kadima party in an internal election on Wednesday.

He had promised to resign once a new Kadima chief was chosen. At the cabinet session, Mr Olmert wished Ms Livni well, shook her hand and called the country to support her.

If Ms Livni, Israel`s chief negotiator in peace talks with the Palestinians, gets the nod from Mr Peres to try to form a new government, she will have up to 42 days to put together a coalition.

Failure to build a coalition would lead to an early parliamentary election, plunging Israel into deeper political uncertainty and dimming even further prospects of meeting a US target for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal this year.

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MILEY Cyrus fans got to go to Disneyland with the teen superstar on Sunday, as the Hannah Montana star celebrated her 16th birthday in the Magic Kingdom.

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"I only turn 16 once, so it`s going to be an awesome party with my favourite rides, hanging out with friends, fireworks and more," Cyrus said. "I`ll even get to sing a couple songs."

Pictures: see Miley Cyrus and her celebrity VIPs party

Cyrus, the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, doesn`t actually turn 16 until November 23, but owner Sawa`s said the park is getting an early jump on the celebration, in part to fit in with Cyrus`s schedule and to beat the annual holiday decorating effort at Disneyland.

Cyrus was joined by a swag of stars including Tyra Banks, Vanessa Williams, Cindy Crawford, Steve Carrell and more.

Disneyland closed early on Sunday and the 5000 people who spent $US250 each for a chance to celebrate with Cyrus were escorted into the park for the "Miley`s Sweet 16 - Share the Celebration" party, reports My Fox in Los Angeles.

The evening`s festivities included "Special Party Zones" highlighting the music of Cyrus and her Hannah Montana alter-ego, along with themed activities and entertainment. Some of Cyrus`s favourite attractions were open in each Party Zone.

Proceeds from the event will be used in part to benefit Youth Service America, an organisation that seeks to increase the number and diversity of people aged 5 to 25 who serve as volunteers for various organisations.

"The best part of the party is we`re going to recognise some really cool kids from Youth Service America who are giving back to their community," she said.

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Latest Comment:

Confused of Sydney writes:

Bad English, lay off Samantha, I'm sure she is no older than 7.........

Posted at 2:31pm today

Bad English writes:

I think Samantha needs to work on her English. Ever used a full stop or comma before?As for Miley reading the comments section on news.com do you think she does?Isn't the whole Disneyland party a bit OTT? Are we not over Miley yet?

Posted at 12:04pm today

You dont wanna know writes:

SHE IS A SPOLIT LITTLE BRAT!SHE WILL TURN OUT LIKE HILARY DUFF AND ALL THOSE WANNA BE SINGERSSHE CANT SINGo_________________o

Posted at 11:51am today

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Miley Cyrus parties hard at sweet 16

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Miley Cyrus parties hard at sweet 16 in Disneyland | NEWS.com.au Entertainment
Miley Cyrus parties hard at sweet 16   10/07/2008
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