Israeli Foreign Affairs and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni in Jerusalem Wednesday called for resignation of President Moshe Katsav who was charged with sexual crimes, including rape, local daily Ha'aretz reported.

In a statement, Livni said that "from a legal standpoint, Moshe Katsav the individual is indeed presumed innocent."

"However, in this case, given the type of accusations, their severity and the timing of the decision, it is more appropriate for him to conduct his fight (to prove) his innocence from outside of the President's Residence," added the top diplomat.

Livni's call came when Katsav is under increasing pressure as lawmakers and politicians have demanded him resign after Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's decision to charge him with sexual crimes, including rape.

Katsav is expected to convene a press conference at his official residence in Jerusalem Wednesday to announce his next move, local media reported.

Earlier in the day, members of Knesset (parliament), or MKs, from the left wing Meretz announced that they will try to remove Katsav from office.

Meretz MK Ran Cohen said that the president must resign immediately, as "he has humiliated the institution of the presidency and the public."

A majority of Labor MKs also said they will support removing the president from office if he fails to suspend himself.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Yuli Tamir said that Katsav must resign immediately so as "not to embarrass the students and the people in the education system" and to respect the presidential institution.

In addition, Israel's largest religious party, the National Religious Party-National Union made an official call for the president to fulfill his obligation and resign immediately from his position.

Attorney General Mazuz decided Tuesday afternoon to indict Katsav for alleged rape and other incidents of sexual assault. A final decision on the indictment will be made only after a hearing, where Katsav will be able to present his case.

Source: Xinhua