Former Israeli Foreign Minister cleared of corruption chargesNovember 6, 2013 - 12:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was acquitted of corruption charges on Wednesday, Nov 6, a verdict that paves the way for the far-right politician to return to the post, Reuters reported. Lieberman's ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party is allied with the right-wing Likud of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who kept open the foreign ministry portfolio for him while the trial was under way. A Jerusalem court decided unanimously to acquit Lieberman, who had been charged with fraud and breach of trust over allegations he gave an Israeli diplomat an ambassador's post in exchange for a tip-off about a police probe into his affairs. "This chapter is now behind me," Lieberman told reporters in brief remarks outside the courthouse. Prosecutors said they were weighing whether to appeal. Lieberman has been outspokenly skeptical of U.S.-backed peace talks with the Palestinians, which resumed in July after a three-year impasse, saying that he thought any permanent deal "impossible". His party has grown into one of Israel's largest political forces on the strength of votes from Lieberman's fellow immigrants from former Soviet republics. Lieberman is the latest in a string of Israeli politicians to have faced corruption charges in the past few years. Ehud Olmert resigned as prime minister in 2008 after being indicted. He has since been acquitted of most of the charges against him. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Pashinyan travels to Iran to pay tribute to Raisi, others Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has left for the Islamic Republic of Iran on a working visit. Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. |