Sharon chairs weekly cabinet meeting, Olmert comment on settler protest
(31 Jul 2005) SHOTLIST 1. Exterior of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's office 2. Various of Israel cabinet ministers arriving at meeting 3. Israel cabinet minister Ehud Olmert talking to media 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Ehud Olmert, Israel cabinet minister: "In this particular case I think the effort is not to express an opinion but to interfere with the decision of the government, which was approved by the majority of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) to carry out the disengagement. It is therefore not in the realm of freedom of speech but in a different context, and this is a decision that has to take place by the police and by the attorney general. If they think, that under the circumstances it could end up with a big turmoil, in an area which is extremely sensitive, where mortar shells fall every day and there can be many casualties and total disorder that may threaten the implementation of the disengagement - that is their decision. It has to be respected and it's not for the government to interfere." 5. Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon arriving at meeting 6. Various of meeting STORYLINE: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his cabinet on Sunday discussed a massive demonstration planned by settlers this week over Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Opponents to the Gaza pullout hope the protest will bring thousands into the Gaza settlements and Israeli police fear the demonstration could erupt into chaos and cause a security risk. The cabinet was expected to discuss the legality of the march and ways to keep it under control. Israeli cabinet minister Ehud Olmert said the government should respect whatever decision is made by police. "If they think that under the circumstances it could end up with a big turmoil, in an area which is extremely sensitive, where mortar shells fall every day and there can be many casualties and total disorder that may threaten the implementation of the disengagement - that is their decision," Olmert said. Earlier this month, opponents failed to march to the Gaza Strip due to an immense security presence of 20,000 troops posted along roads and around the demonstration to prevent protesters from achieving their goal. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: / ap_archive Facebook: / aparchives Instagram: / apnews You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
