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Ramon has been pointing fingers, suggest that someone is out to get him. (AP file)
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| By Associated Press August 18, 2006 |
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Israel's justice minister, a key ally of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, announced Friday he will resign, clearing the way for him to stand trial on accusations he sexually harassed an 18-year-old female soldier.
Israel's attorney general announced Thursday he plans to indict Justice Minister Haim Ramon, the latest blow to a government that has been weakened by a 34-day war against Lebanese guerrillas.
Ramon said in a statement that he had waived his parliamentary immunity and his right to a special hearing with the attorney general. He said he would resign on Sunday. Ramon asked Attorney General Meni Mazuz to ensure a speedy trial "for personal reasons, but also because of public interest."
"I am sure that I will succeed in court. A kiss of two, three seconds, based on the version of the complainant, cannot be turned into a criminal act," Ramon said in a statement.
Ramon, 56, is suspected of forcibly kissing the teenage soldier during a farewell party at a government office. The incident allegedly took place July 12, the day the war erupted. The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, justice officials said.
Mazuz said earlier he had little choice but to proceed. "When the complainant's testimony is consistent and perceived to be credible, and is supported by other testimony, there is no choice but to file an indictment and bring the case to be settled in court," he said in a statement.
Ramon, a leading member of the ruling Kadima Party, is considered a key Olmert ally and one of the biggest supporters of a plan to unilaterally withdraw from much of the West Bank by 2010.
"I am certain of my innocence, and I will prove it in court, " Ramon said Thursday.
Ramon is only the latest among a string of top Israeli officials to be targeted in investigations.
Israel's State Comptroller is looking into a Jerusalem property deal involving Olmert. President Moshe Katsav has been accused by a former employee of sexual harassment, though no charges have been filed. Tzachi Hanegbi of Kadima, the chairman of parliament's influential Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee, was informed earlier this week he would be charged with fraud, bribery and perjury.
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