Israeli PM calls for Katsav's resignation

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday evening called for the resignation of President Moshe Katsav, who is facing possible indictment of rape.

Olmert made the call at the Herzliya Conference, Israel's local daily Ha'aretz reported on its website.

Olmert said that "I cannot open my speech tonight without addressing the events of the past 24 hours and the attorney general's decision to conduct a hearing to the president, in light of the possibility of filing a severe indictment against him."

"Under such circumstances, I have no doubt that the president cannot continue fulfilling his role and will have to leave the President's Residence. This is a sad day for the State of Israel," he added.

Earlier in the evening, Katsav vowed to fight for his innocence, following Attorney General Menachem Mazuz's decision Tuesday to charge him with sexual crimes, including rape.

Speaking at a press conference in his official residence in Jerusalem, Katsav refused to resign, saying he knows the truth and "the evidence is on my side."

However, 89 percent of Israeli public say Katsav should immediately leave President's Residence, according to a poll conducted by Israel's local daily Yedioth Ahronoth in the day.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter also urged the president to resign immediately.

Source: Xinhua