Israeli outgoing Prime Minster Ehud Barak said Friday that the Labor party is waiting for explanations from Prime Minister–elect Ariel Sharon regarding the latter’s call for a national unity government, reported Al Jazira satellite channel.
Barak's remarks came after a two-hour meeting with Sharon in Jerusalem, the first
The meeting was basically arranged so that Barak would inform Sharon of the latest developments in diplomatic and security issues and for both to look at the procedures for the transition of power, but the two also discussed the possibility of establishing a national unity government.
During the meeting Sharon renewed his offer to Barak to keep his position of defense minister in the incoming government, Israeli media said.
Barak announced his resignation from parliament after his 25-point loss to Sharon in Tuesday's election, but no official procedure has been taken in that direction so far.
Following the meeting, the Labor Party committee in charge of negotiations with the Likud, headed by Barak and Shimon Peres, will decide on the continuation of the negotiations. Both parties predict that the negotiations will continue Sunday, according to Haaretz.
Barak remains in charge of government affairs until Sharon forms a coalition in the parliament.
Haaretz said that coalition negotiations between the Likud and the National Religious Party (Mafdal) have been renewed. Mafdal stated that it supports the initiative to form a national unity government, and its main demand is the Education Ministry, despite the fact that Sharon previously stated that a member of the Likud would head the ministry – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
