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TEXT-Livni calls for an Israeli election
26 Oct 2008 16:43:36 GMT
 Source: Reuters
JERUSALEM, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Following is a translation of remarks on Sunday by Israeli ruling party leader Tzipi Livni at a news conference held after she told President Shimon Peres she had failed to form a government and wanted an early election:

"I have exhausted the process and I could have stood here today and presented a government. I was ready to pay a price to set up a government but until the last minute, I was not willing to mortgage Israel's political and economic future, nor the hope of a better future and a different kind of politics.

"In the negotiations, I acted in good faith. I called for establishing a national unity government. I decided to cooperate with future partners for a government, because I believe that agreements are necessary in such a polarised country.

"I took a decision to provide financial support for needy families despite budget cuts, because I believe it is the government's job to provide an answer to social needs, as long as they aren't for narrow sectoral interests.

"But in recent days, it turned out that the system that existed, and the fact that a government was being established toward the end of a previous term, was leading to impossible demands on the part of future partners -- economically, politically and with regard to other issues as well.

"There are prices that can be paid. There are prices others are ready to pay, but I'm not willing to do so at the expense of the country and its people, just to be prime minister of a paralysed government.

"In my view, a prime minister is chosen first and foremost to advance the country's interests. In my view, if someone is ready to sell what he believes in for the sake of securing a seat, then he doesn't deserve to sit in it.

"We have reached the point where I think the public is truly fed up with politicking, and I am quite familiar with the political playing field, and choose to act in my way. And let the public be the judge of our path.

"I notified the president that under the current circumstances we must hold an election, without delay, as soon as possible, and I have also instructed the Kadima faction in parliament to act accordingly.

"May the people choose its leaders and let the best person win, with the good of the nation being the deciding factor."


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