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Last update - 19:42 27/10/2009
Top minister opposes Golan Heights referendum bill
By Haaretz Service
Tags: Dan Meridor, Israel News 

Intelligence and Atomic Energy Minister Dan Meridor blasted the government on Tuesday for pursuing legislation that could complicate future efforts to strike a peace deal with Syria in exchange for a withdrawal from the Golan Heights, Army Radio reported.

The bill would mandate a referendum or the approval of at least 80 members of Knesset in the event the government wishes to withdraw from any piece of territory that is currently under Israeli sovereignty.

"This proposal presents a cumbersome, damaging and unnecessary obstacle for the state of Israel which will be perceived as piling on more difficulties before a possible peace agreement or any other agreement," Meridor wrote in a legal appeal which he submitted to the Knesset.
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Meridor is considered one of the more moderate Likud members and is a member of the "septet" forum of ministers responsible for key decisions relating to security and diplomacy.

Aside from the repercussions on peace talks, Meridor also said the bill harms Israel's system of legislation. "The law would damage the authority of the Knesset and it would grant the authority to decide to the entire electorate," the minister wrote.

"This change does not befit the constitutional regime in Israel. If there is a desire to change the system of government in a way that minimizes the Knesset's authority and transfers it to the voters via a referendum, this cannot be done with regards to one issue, but rather on a wide range of issues."
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  1.   Eighty ministers? Try 3/4 of all Israelis needed for referendum 19:53  |  Chaim Ben Kahan 27/10/09
  2.   Meridor is a loon who wants to give away Jewish Golan 20:47  |  Eric Kelso 27/10/09
  3.   80 MK`s no, a referendum absolutely 21:32  |  David G 27/10/09
  4.   Referendum Needed 22:11  |  Ron 27/10/09
  5.   Dan Meridor is right Referendums would complicate the procedures. 22:38  |  Sam C. 27/10/09
  6.   Meridor of the priviledged class - never did ANYTHING for Israel 22:47  |  Moshe 27/10/09
  7.   Pretty easy to get around..... 23:07  |  Johnboy 27/10/09
  8.   lack of logic 23:21  |  stella westwell 27/10/09
  9.   MERIDOR DOESNT LIKE THE IDEA OF DEMOCRACY 23:53  |  ZIONIST FOREVER 27/10/09
  10.   It`s about International Law 16:16  |  Stephen 28/10/09
  11.   golan 03:51  |  colin 13/11/09
  12.   Golan: Whose? 20:40  |  Harold Shmuel Engels 22/11/09
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