Livni presses on with Shas coalition negotiations

Kadima Chairwoman and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni continued negotiations on Thursday to form a coalition government and stave off of a snap election.

Two confidants of Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef met Thursday with attorney Yoram Raved, Livni's negotiator, to discuss the ultra-Orthodox party's demands. The group agreed to meet again on Sunday.

Also Tuesday, Labor announced its official decision to enter into talks with Kadima.

Labor Chairman Ehud Barak, who is also defense minister, said: "There is no reason or way of not entering into a significant examinationof establishing a government that will have real a partnership... according to goals that we approve of."

Meanwhile, Livni is maintaining close contacts with the heads of other factions. One such leader was Meretz Chairman Haim Oron, who said Thursday his party has also decided to negotiate over joining a Livni-led government.

"We intend to present a proposal to begin negotiationson the possibility of entering a government headed by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni," Oron said.