Jerusalem, Jan 23: Ariel Sharon said today he intends to complete his term as Prime Minister, rejecting calls that he step aside because of corruption allegations. Sharon told members of his Likud Party he intends to serve at least until 2007. It was Sharon's first public comment since an Israeli real-estate developer was indicted yesterday on charges he bribed Sharon with USD690,000.

"I arrived here as Prime Minister and as chairman of the Likud, a position I plan to fill for many more years, until 2007 at least," Sharon told cheering supporters, referring to the date of the next scheduled election. After the indictment of real estate developer David Appel yesterday, Justice Ministry officials said they would decide within weeks or months whether to indict the Prime Minister for accepting bribes. Such charges would only be filed if prosecutors are convinced Sharon had criminal intent.

Despite a flurry of criticism, Sharon said he would not step down.
"I am not about to resign. I emphasize, I am not about to resign. I am busy with work from morning to night, and I do not intend to make time for issues that are under investigation," Sharon told the Yediot Ahronot newspaper. Sharon's aides confirmed the remarks. Eyal Arad, a close associate of Sharon, also said that the Prime Minister "does not intend to resign."

Bureau Report