Olmert says he will resign after Kadima elects new leader

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Olmert says he will resign after Kadima elects new leader

In a dramatic announcement, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday evening that he will not run in the upcoming Kadima primary and will resign from office upon selection of a successor, to allow the new party leader to attempt to form a coalition.

"Now is the time in which I must make a decision," Olmert said at a surprise press conference at his official residence. "I do not make it out of a feeling that I cannot fulfill my duties...but the mudslinging crusade which is being conducted against me, even by decent people who are truly concerned for the state and its image, brings up a question that I cannot and will not avoid:

"What is more important? My personal justice, or the public good? My personal justice is very important to me...but in choosing between considerations relating to my status and my ability to fight for my truth, and the considerations of what is best for the country - it is the latter that decide."

Olmert lashed out at his political adversaries without naming any of them - either from Kadima or other parties - personally.