Israeli foreign minister quits after fraud indictment

Started by NewsCaster, Dec 15, 2012, 01:30 AM

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Roni Schutzer / AFP - Getty ImagesAvigdor Lieberman stepped down Friday as foreign minister of Israel after he was charged with fraud and breach of trust.By ReutersJERUSALEM -- Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Friday he was resigning after being charged with fraud and breach of trust, in a move that could have repercussions on the upcoming general election.

"Though I know I committed no crime ... I have decided to resign my post as foreign minister and deputy prime minister," Lieberman said in a statement emailed to news organizations.

He added that he hoped to clear his name "without delay."

Israel's Justice Ministry said Thursday it would charge Lieberman over alleged irregularities tied to the promotion of an Israeli diplomat who had leaked him privileged information about a police probe into his activities.

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Nifemi Donald