Livni asks Peres for 2 week extension in coalition talks

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Prime Minister-designate Tzipi Livni has asked President Shimon Peres to give her two more weeks to put together a coalition government. Livni went to Peres' official residence in Jerusalem on Monday to ask for the extension. Livni was elected leader of the ruling Kadima party last month. But she has been unable to reach a deal with her potential coalition partners in the initial 28-day period given to her. Her request for more time is largely a formality and is expected to be approved. But it highlights the difficulties of forming a stable government in these politically fractious times. If Livni does not muster a parliamentary majority in the next two weeks, the country will likely face early elections.