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Middle East
Bishara resigns from Knesset
Israeli Arab MP is subject of a police investigation into unspecified charges.
Last Modified: 23 Apr 2007 10:01 GMT
 Bishara is a staunch opponent of Israel's policies towards Palestinians and other Arab states [AFP]

Azmi Bishara, an Israeli Arab MP and leader of the National Democratic Assembly, has submitted his resignation from the Knesset at the Israeli embassy in Cairo.
 
Bishara handed over his resignation on Sunday following a meeting with Shalom Cohen, the Israeli ambassador to Egypt.
Bishara is subject of an Israeli police investigation into unspecified criminal charges.

 

"Exile is not an option. Return is definite but the matter will take some time and arrangements. I want to set the rules of the game," Bishara told Al Jazeera.

"I have commitments now with other countries which I cannot make if I were there. This is why I decided to end my responsibilities with my former post," he added.

   

He said that if he stayed in Israel the legal proceedings against him could drag on for years.

 

"There's no point now to clinging to parliamentary status and immunity in this right-wing, fascist, racist orchestra," he added.

 

An Israeli court last week partially lifted a gag order on the inquiry into Bishara, allowing police to announce that its international crimes unit is investigating him.

 

The 50-year-old entered the Israeli parliament in 1996 and three years later became the first Arab Israeli to run for prime minister.

 

He later joined the National Democratic Assembly, or Balad, which was formed following the Oslo accords between Israel and the Palestinians.

 

Bishara has previously made solidarity visits to countries such as Syria and Lebanon, which  Israel designates as its enemies.

Source:
Al Jazeera and agencies
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