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Olmert aide: Cross-examination of Talansky won't stir sensation By Tomer Zarchin Tags: corruption, Talansky, Israel  Morris Talansky's July cross-examination will not create a sensation, a source close to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday. The American-Jewish businessman is the main witness in a graft investigation against Olmert. Talansky appeared in the Jerusalem District Court last month to give his initial deposition. His cross-examination has been scheduled for July 17. In an unusual move, prosecutors won permission to depose Talansky in court even though no indictments have yet been filed in the case. Advertisement They requested this early testimony because Talansky resides in the United States, and authorities were concerned that he may not return to Israel to testify in the future. Olmert's associate insisted that contrary to what others close to the prime minister have been saying, the cross-examination "is not expected to generate a revolution or drama." "It is clear that Talansky will not break and collapse under questioning. Even cracks in the credibility of his preliminary questioning and police testimony would constitute an accomplishment for Olmert," the source said. The source's opinions contradict statements attributed to Olmert following Talansky's deposition in May. Olmert was quoted in various forums as saying that Talansky's testimony would fall apart under cross-examination. Indeed, Olmert reportedly has been saying that the cross-examination of Talansky will halt the calls to hold early primaries in his party, Kadima. Following Talansky's deposition, Olmert asked his lawyers to submit a request to the court to schedule the cross-examination for as soon as possible. Olmert's confidants said at the time that he wanted to clear his name quickly. According to these confidants, the prime minister said with regard to Talansky's deposition: "I have answers. Talansky's testimony will be refuted and I want that to happen as soon as possible." Officials at the State Prosecutor's Office expressed satisfaction with Talansky's preliminary deposition performance, in the light of the fact that even if it contained inaccuracies on a few specific points, the factual framework was maintained in the witness' police interrogation and in court. At that time, prosecution sources also ventured to say that even a cross-examination would not be able to erase the picture of the money-transfer mechanism that emerged from Talansky's testimony in court and statements to police. Related articles: BACKGROUND / Olmert financier prefers to avoid the limelight Talansky: Olmert got $150,000 from me, introduced me to tycoons Haaretz.com TV: Prosecutor: Talansky personally handed Olmert cash Olmert: Not every person under investigation must resign Bookmark to del.icio.us   Kosher Idol A new Haredi reality show called 'The Upcoming Voice' makes 'American Idol' kosher. Chief Rabbi's savior New look at Nazi-era papers names mysterious rescuer of future Chief Rabbi.   1.   To Income tax men :Get him for tax evasion. 07:30  |  Nora 26/06/08   2.   GO, GET `IM,,,,,,, 12:00  |  Dagma 26/06/08   3.   Witness for the Prosecution must not FORGET,,,, 12:12  |  Natasha 26/06/08   4.   Sorry Mister Olmert but you may not have the pleasure 15:04  |  Pathfinder 26/06/08   5.   Thanks to Olmert and his incompetent leadership 15:14  |  charlie 26/06/08

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