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Last update - 16:33 18/09/2008
Olmert says stepping down is painful, but he feel no bitterness
By Haaretz Staff, DPA and Channel 10
Tags: israel, kadima, ehud olmert 

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday evening that his decision to resign after his Kadima party elects a new leader had been painful, but added that he felt "no bitterness."

The Kadima primary election marked a low point for Olmert, who has said he will step down once a new party chief is chosen.

"
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I decided to resign, with pain, not with pleasure, I must say,
really with pain," Olmert told a gathering of students in the southern Negev desert.

"I know that there are still many things to do, that I wanted to
do, that I believe I could have done. I have no bitterness. I have no
anger," he said.

Olmert announced his decision last month to step down due to the multiple corruption investigations he faces. Police just last week recommended that the State Prosecutor indict the premier in at least two of the probes.

Olmert cast his vote in Jerusalem, with a picture of his mentor Ariel Sharon above him, along with the names of the four candidates aspiring to take his seat.

Nine hundred and five days have passed since Olmert became Kadima chief and Prime Minister, when he declared that he wanted to shape a new reality for Israel.

Olmert could, however, stay on as the head of an transitional government in the interim period.

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      1.   Meeting the CIA definition of a "Failed Democratic State" 23:22  |  Pablo B 17/09/08
      2.   "Olmert: Stepping down is painful, but I feel no bitterness" 23:37  |  ultimate chutzpah 17/09/08
      3.   painful 00:52  |  ron 18/09/08
      4.   Pablo B, WELL SAID 01:19  |  John 18/09/08
      5.   When he`s in jail 01:21  |  BoUSA 18/09/08
      6.   The Gall Of This Crook 02:05  |  Tod Zuckerman 18/09/08
      7.   Olmert: Stepping down is painful, 04:05  |  Joseph.E 18/09/08
      8.   Even Nassarallah Would Agree with Such Haaretz `Sweet` Headline 04:09  |  Joseph.E 18/09/08
      9.   Olmert isn`t bitter, Israel is 05:27  |  * BEN JABO 18/09/08
      10.   Olmert will step down 06:23  |  * BEN JABO 18/09/08
      11.   Olmert still lying, only painful for 1 very good reason 07:52  |  Dish it Out 18/09/08
      12.   Many things Olmert wants to do...!!! 08:28  |  Dagma 18/09/08
      13.   Olmert Stepping Down is the First Miracle 08:32  |  Josephus 18/09/08
      14.   Go Olmert, go...your jail is waiting for you. 09:01  |  Nora 18/09/08
      15.   How about shame Olmert? 09:22  |  Ray 18/09/08
      16.   why should he be bitter? 11:47  |  voter 18/09/08
      17.   Please let Olmert retire in peace 07:02  |  * BEN JABO 20/09/08
      18.   Thank G-d Olmert is a has been. The present concern is Livni. 20:17  |  Jerusalemite 20/09/08
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