Ramon calls on Barak to retract his ultimatum to Kadima

Vice Premier Haim Ramon on Wednesday called on Labor Chairman Ehud Barak to retract the ultimatum he has given Kadima, according to which Labor will act to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert if the coalition's leading party does not do so soon. Speaking to Israel Radio, Ramon asked that Barak postpone his demand until after the cross-examination of New York businessman Morris Talansky as part of the corruption allegations against Olmert. Ramon added that Barak's threats had set into motion the recent leadership battles in Kadima.