Olmert urges Netanyahu to form gov´t quickly

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-23-2009 09:50

Over in Israel, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has called on Likud leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, to form a new government quickly as coalition bargaining began to shift into high gear on Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun, pool)

The Kadima Party leader, Tzipi Livni, says she will enter Netanyahu's government only if he agrees to a "rotation" arrangement.

At Israel's weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel needs a new government soon.

Ehud Olmert, Israeli Prime Minister, said, "I call upon whoever is involved and will be involved in the coalition talks to run them in an effective and fast way in order to establish, as quickly as possible, a government that will enjoy full authority and will be able to rule effectively."

Government members also called on Livni to reach common ground with Netanyahu to form a broad coalition government.