Reply #20: Olmert: Lieberman's opinions do not reflect mine

[Scurrilous]

Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman stirred up a storm when he called for Israel to adopt Cyprus model of separating populations when it comes to Israel's Arabs. Olmert: 'That is not the position of the government and Avigdor knows that'

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3323915,00.html

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"Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, speaking at Sunday's cabinet meeting, addressed Minister Avigdor Lieberman's statements regarding the separation of Jewish and Arab populations: "Lieberman's opinions do not reflect mine. That's not the government's position and Avigdor knows that. I am in favor of Arab citizens having equal rights and I never hid that. So long I am prime minister this will be the policy of the State of Israel," Olmert said.

Defense Minister Amir Peretz slammed Lieberman's comments about Israel's Arab citizens, saying they cause unnecessary unrest. Peretz also said that the government should condemn his statements.

Labor ministers announced that they categorically denounce Lieberman's statements. "His statements are unacceptable and completely insubmissible. I hope the prime minister conducts a thorough inquiry into this matter," said Tourism Minister Isaac Herzog."