Oct. 18, 2006 9:27 | Updated Oct. 18, 2006 16:09
Katsav to Post: I know the truth
By GREER FAY CASHMAN, HERB KEINON AND JPOST STAFF
President Moshe Katsav
Photo: AP
'Aleph' - the woman who is accusing Katsav of rape - is seen on the right as she is accompanied by her lawyer.
Photo: Channel 2
"I know the truth, that is why I am smiling," said President Moshe Katsav to a Jerusalem Post reporter when she remarked at the broad grin on the president's face during a Beit Hanassi ceremony on Wednesday morning for the presentation of the credentials of five new ambassadors to Israel.
Responding to the media, who asked him how he was feeling as he entered the reception hall, the president said he had reason to believe that the media was feeling better that he was.
Aware of the fact that the presentation of credentials is not usually an event well-attended by the media, Katsav said that he was very happy that so much interest had been generated on this occasion. "The presentation of credentials is very important," he said.
Despite the growing list of allegations against him, Katsav has insisted on fulfilling all his presidential duties.
Meanwhile, following a meeting between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two spoke of Katsav's predicament.
Putin told Olmert to send his regards to the president to which Olmert reportedly replied, "It is not a simple situation."
According to some reporters, the Russian president then jokingly said, "Yes, after so many women, how can it be?"
Earlier Wednesday, it was reported that Katsav had decided to give a press conference in order to present the public with his version of the events for which he was accused of sexual harassment.
Meanwhile, former justice minister Yosef (Tommy) Lapid said that Katsav should be pardoned if he is sentenced as a result of the sexual harassment charges.
"This man has already received his punishment in the public rage against him," Lapid told Army Radio.
"I suggest that if he is convicted, the president who replaces him should forgive him," he continued, adding that the Israeli public did not really want to see a former president "led in handcuffs to Abu Kabir."
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