Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon presented his government to the Knesset plenum Thursday in a session which began at 4:30 P.M. (GMT1430) and ended early Friday.
The new hardline right-wing coalition government was approved by a vote of 68-48, and the new ministers were sworn in.
The Knesset session began with the presentation of the government by Sharon and a speech in which he outlined the main goals of his government.
"Today, as I enter my 75th year, I have no other ambition than to lead this nation, that has known much suffering and many difficulties, that deserves so much, to a path of calm, to prosperity and to peace," said Sharon in a personal comment at the end of his speech.
He declared that peace negotiations with the Palestinians would not resume until the violence stopped and the current Palestinian leadership was replaced. "Before returning to the diplomatic track there is a need for ending terror and incitement, for reforms within the Palestinian Authority to be implemented and for replacing the existing leadership," Sharon said in his speech.
Palestinians accuse Sharon of erecting obstacles that have blocked diplomatic proposals by the United States and other would-be international mediators.
"President Bush is talking about a Palestinian state, and Sharon is determined to undermine it," said Saeb Erekat a Palestinian negotiator. "The only thing that is missing from this government is the peace process." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
