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 | Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. For the first time, Armenia votes in favor of Georgia resolution in UN Armenia on Tuesday, June 4 voted for the first time in favor a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Moscow warns Armenia against leaving Russian-led defense bloc Armenia could ruin its military ties with Russia if it continues drifting towards the West, according to a senior official in Moscow. Moscow says ready to support Yerevan-Baku reconciliation Moscow has confirmed its readiness to support the reconciliation of Yerevan and Baku. |