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Last update - 07:25 22/07/2008 Olmert's attorneys: Talansky issued money transfers in own handwriting By Ofra Edelman, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Olmert probe, Talansky  If there were doubts as to whether American fund-raiser Morris Talansky was lying or just confused - Monday, on the fourth day of the cross-examination in the cash envelopes affair, the answer was clear. Talansky, who testified so clearly and convincingly in his preliminary testimony that he did not remember a $380,000 transfer from his accounts to those of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's former law partner, attorney Uri Messer, was caught red-handed. In May, after police showed him the money transfer orders from one of his accounts to that of Messer, Talansky told the court: "When I saw them for the first time, I was in shock. I asked the police who the account in Jaffa belonged to and who the trustee was, since I didn't know anything about it," he said. Advertisement Talansky hinted that Messer used his accounts without his knowledge, and abused the power of attorney Talansky had given him for the purchase of a Jerusalem apartment. His body language during the police interrogation also reflected shock and surprise. "I told you, I don't know anything about it," he told police investigators. "Give me a lie detector test! Maybe he had a power of attorney and he used my money," said Talansky. But in Monday's court session, Olmert's attorney Navot Telzur proved he knew all about it. In a slow, torturous process, he pulled out document after document and slowly brought down Talansky's house of cards. He presented a letter in Talansky's handwriting, ordering his bank to transfer $100,000 to Messer's account. Then he presented another order in his handwriting for $50,000, and another, and another - all in Talansky's handwriting, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars transferred to the prime minister's confidantes. Talansky continued to insist that he did not remember, dozens of times. Telzur accused him of not having a memory problem, but one of telling the truth. The prosecution says it knew of the contradictions and does not disagree with the defense on the matter. After Monday's session, the Jerusalem District Court ruled that Talansky's cross-examination, which will continue today, would resume on August 31 and September 1. The court rejected a request for an order to postpone Talansky's departure from Israel, to allow for additional time to question him. The request, made by State Prosecutor Moshe Lador, was said to have aroused the judges' amazement. It was also opposed by Talansky's attorney, who said of his client, "Here is a man who has made a serious effort. But the possibility of keeping him here for an additional period of time is not a possibility that exists, from our point of view." Related articles: Talansky tries to hide pain, anger in final day under fire Court rejects petition to keep Talansky in Israel for further questioning VIDEO / Olmert's lawyer: Police pressure shaped Talansky testimony Police quiz businessman over unpaid loan he gave to Olmert OPINION / If Olmert isn't a criminal, at least he is an ingrate Bookmark to del.icio.us   Brown's ultimatum British PM to Knesset: Iran must suspend nuclear bid or face global isolation. One giant leap VIDEO: Israeli-developed device allows paraplegics to walk again.   1.   What difference does it make? 08:03  |  RF 22/07/08   2.   This is a Horrifying Case! Doctors are needed 08:38  |  Dagma 22/07/08   3.   This appears to be serious. But, an enormous BUT, see below - 08:39  |  S 22/07/08   4.   After the 10th signature you probably lose track 09:47  |  Ilan 22/07/08   5.   While I Wound Not Trust The Word of Any Israeli Leader 11:26  |  Lev Bonstein 22/07/08

Read & React Fearing Haredi ire, Knesset choir bans women singers at Brown session Responses: 64 Israeli officials: U.S. intervention in minor Palestinian issues may damage ties Responses: 68 Prosecution leans toward charging Katsav with rape Responses: 23 'Olmert vowed to keep Jerusalem whole, but that's not why I helped' Responses: 13 Moshe Arens: Israel's margin of error is disappearing Responses: 11 Rosner's Domain What will Obama look for in Jerusalem (and Ramallah)? If Israel attacks Iran, 42% of Americans say U.S. should help (WTR) Do U.S. Jews really support 'necessary compromises' for peace? Why does Israel keep agreeing to prisoner swaps? More Headlines 11:31 'Olmert swore to keep Jerusalem whole, but that's not why I helped' 10:07 Police: Olmert travel expenses probe likely to yield indictment 09:10 Israel fears scathing U.S. report on its West Bank policies 10:33 Shalit's unit to be discharged Tuesday, but without their comrade 08:50 Peres to host Abbas in 'historic' visit to President's Residence 10:28 There's only one Katie Couric and now she's in Israel 10:18 Jury convicts man tried for accosting Nobel winner Elie Wiesel 10:46 Well-known singer held after gun battle outside gambling club 07:45 Prosecution leans toward charging Katsav with rape 09:19 Israeli official: U.S. intervention in minor Palestinian issues could damage ties 07:25 Olmert's attorneys: Talansky issued money transfers in own handwriting 07:57 Month after report, ex-panel head says Olmert ignoring pledge to Holocaust survivors 07:41 Cop convicted for assaulting protester at 2006 Amona evacuation Previous Editions Select Day 21 jul 20 jul 18 jul 17 jul 16 jul 15 jul 14 jul 13 jul 11 jul 10 jul 09 jul 08 jul

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