UTJ demands 3 key cabinet roles in future coalition gov't

The Likud negotiating team headed by Yoram Rabed met Monday morning with the negotiators from the United Torah Judaism party in Jerusalem to discuss arrangements for UTJ to join the coalition. The meeting focussed mainly on UTJ demands for ministerial posts.

The ultra-Orthodox party made demands that were higher than Likud negotiators expected. UTJ seeks three senior government roles: two deputy ministers in offices without a permanent minister, such as Housing and Transportation, and a deputy minister post. UTJ also asked for the chairmanship of an important Knesset committee, like the Finance Committee. MK Moshe Gafni estimated that the negotiations would not take too long.

Also Monday, Shas Chairman Eli Yishai indicated that his ultra-Orthodox party could join a unity government despite spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's opposition to the disengagement plan as currently proposed.

Also on Monday, Shas Chairman Eli Yishai indicated Monday that his ultra-Orthodox party could join a unity government despite spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's opposition to the disengagement plan as currently proposed.

Yishai spoke as negotiating teams from Shas and the Likud prepared for a second day of unity government talks on Monday. Yishai said he was prepared to enter the government without cabinet portfolios for Shas, providing that the coalition changed its economic policies.

Israel Radio reported early Monday that Rabbi Yosef could modify or rescind his opposition if the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four northern West Bank settlements were coordinated with the Palestinians.

Yishai suggested that his Sephardi party could demand the option of voting against disengagement in a future Knesset vote. Shas's rival in the Knesset, the secular Shinui, has said it would be likely to vote for disengagement even in opposition. Shinui has 15 Knesset seats to 10 for Shas.

"Disengagement is a story in itself, and the budget is a story in itself," Yishai told Israel Radio.

"Disengagement is an issue of the Rabbi alone," he said, referring to the Shas spiritual leader. "What the Rabbi instructs us, we do, and for the moment, his order is unequivocal - vote against. He has issued a Halachic ruling, which is current and in effect."

Yishai said that as yet there had been no breakthrough in negotiations on socio-economic issues.

"I am prepared to enter the government without portfolios," Yishai said. "If I can bring food, an achievement, aid to the disadvantaged, to those harmed by the government's economic policies, that will be my reward."

Progress in Likud-Shas talksYishai met Sunday with Sharon and was told negotiations would be short and that Shas would have to decide if it was joining the coalition within two days, as Sharon plans to present his new government to the Knesset on Monday.

At the end of a parallel meeting between Likud and Shas representatives, Shas negotiators reported that the Likud team promised them that anti-religious legislation initiated during the Shinui era would not move forward, particularly the legitimization of common-law couples.

Shas raised a series of budget demands aimed at aid for the disadvantaged, and Shas sources reported progress on that front as well.

The Labor Party plans to demand influential portfolios including education, interior, social affairs and national infrastructures. Sharon associates note he is leaning toward keeping the Interior Ministry in Likud hands. Labor will oppose Shas joining the coalition if it continues its sweeping opposition to the disengagement plan.

In Sunday's meeting with Yishai, Sharon emphasized that since Arafat's death, a new situation regarding disengagement had been created. Yishai replied that the rabbi's ruling was according to Jewish law and its validity hadn't changed. Sharon's people believe it will be possible to reach understandings with Shas that will satisfy Labor.

Shas and Likud negotiating teams will meet again Monday to discuss the full extent of Shas demands and portfolio petitions.

The Likud team is also scheduled to meet with the United Torah Judaism team to discuss portfolios, and with Labor to complete economic talks and portfolio matters.

The ministry issues will be decided by Sharon after all three parties' portfolio demands are clear.

Meanwhile, Labor and Likud negotiating teams met Saturday night for talks that dealt primarily with economic issues. The issue of cabinet portfolios in any unity government was not raised.

	Sharon, observing the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, told Shas chairman Eli Yishai he is interested in having the party inside the government. (AP)