Last update - 00:00 09/11/2007
Peretz: Defense Min. Barak's policy of silence is hurting Labor
By Haaretz Service
Former Labor Party chairman Amir Peretz on Friday lambasted the political stance of his successor, Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
Peretz accused Barak of having a policy of silence which was playing with the party and ultimately causing it damage.
"The defense minister publicly supports the Annapolis conference, but behind closed doors opines that it will be a failure," Peretz told activists at a party conference on Friday.
Peretz added that he planned to call on party members to oppose approval of the state budget, claiming that Kadima has breached a coalition agreement with Labor on social matters, particularly regarding minimum wage.
During the meeting, party activist Yehuda Elosh pointed to discrimination within the Labor Party toward members of Middle-Eastern descent.
"The racist members of Labor are becoming stronger. They can't handle a Moroccan party chairman from Sderot," said Elosh.
Peretz responded to the accusation by saying there had never been basis for claims of discrimination in the party.
MK Yoram Marciano also blasted the defense minister's policies and called on him to step down. "Barak promised us security, but the Qassams continue to fall," he said.
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