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Last update - 10:47 23/09/2008
Obama pays tribute to Olmert, looks forward to working with successor
By Natasha Mozgovoya, Haaretz U.S. Correspondent
Tags: Tzipi Livni, Israel 

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama paid tribute Sunday to outgoing prime minister Ehud Olmert, and welcomed the chance to work with his successor.

Olmert, who is at the center of a series of corruption scandals, formally resigned Sunday. He has been replaced as leader of the ruling Kadima party by his foreign minister, Tzipi Livni.

Livni is expected to be asked by President Shimon Peres to form, and head, a new government coalition. Olmert will remain in power until a new prime minister is officially appointed.
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"I wish Prime Minister Olmert well and have told him how much I admire his pursuit of peace and his staunch defense of Israel's security," Obama said.

"I look forward to working closely with Israel's next prime minister to strengthen the U.S.-Israeli partnership, and to advance Israel's security."

Obama also praised what he termed "Israel's robust democracy" for its ability to weather the current political upheaval.

This democracy, he said, "is once again demonstrating that it can handle transition, and we are reminded today that the U.S.-Israeli relationship transcends parties and individual leaders."

Obama visited Israel in July of this year, when he met with both Olmert and Livni.

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      1.   I suppose I can pretend that me too is looking forward 13:45  |  Azulay 22/09/08
      2.   But will you still love me, tomorrow? 14:01  |  Israel 22/09/08
      3.   Not So Fast There Big Guy 15:02  |  Solomon the Wise 22/09/08
      4.   I assume 16:26  |  Jackie 22/09/08
      5.   Obama on a trampoline 17:29  |  Arie 22/09/08
      6.   West Bank Pals prefer McCain in recent poll 18:08  |  Aphemia 22/09/08
      7.   Barack will work for Israel`s security. Appoint Pat Buchanan- 18:47  |  just wondering 22/09/08
      8.   Buchanan=conscience 18:54  |  Anthony 22/09/08
      9.   Obama and Olmert 20:42  |  Brod 22/09/08
      10.   Strange! 21:07  |  Paul 22/09/08
      11.   #8 22:07  |  Jane 22/09/08
      12.   They think alike. 00:59  |  Dudka 23/09/08
      13.   Jane 8 02:07  |  Anthony 23/09/08
      14.   Sorry Obama you have proved yourself slly 08:43  |  Dagma 23/09/08
      15.   Reply to #5 (Arie) - Spot On 09:07  |  Tod Zuckerman 23/09/08
      16.   #3 Solomon the wise 18:14  |  mike 23/09/08
      17.   #15 Zuckerman 00:25  |  mike 24/09/08
      18.   Jackie AT #4 00:29  |  mike 24/09/08
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