Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., May 21, 2008 Iyyar 16, 5768 | | Israel Time: 10:28 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Last update - 21:41 20/05/2008 Comptroller: Olmert waited 18 months to make decision on Darfur refugees By Ruth Sinai, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Knesset, Micha Lindenstrauss  Prime Minister Ehud Olmert waited a year and a half before taking a decision regarding the stream of African refugees into Israel, doing serious harm to the human rights of asylum seekers, and standing in the way of processes that could have slowed the pace of the influx, State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss found in his 2008 report released on Tuesday. In 2005, 909 people asked Israeli authorities for asylum as officially recognized refugees, and only 11 were approved. The next year, only six of 1,348 requests for recognition as refugees were approved. In the first nine months of 2007, only three out of over 3,000 applicants were recognized as refugees. The comptroller examined the cases of thousands of people who infiltrated Israel over the Sinai border in a growing stream since 2005. He found that requests for political asylum faced protracted delays, and even a flat rejection took an average of six months to be issued. Advertisement Officials took nearly three years to weigh cases viewed as worthy of serious consideration, the report said. Refugees were denied health care and welfare services during that period, it said. Formally releasing his report, Lindenstrauss on Tuesday refused to comment when asked about the ongoing corruption probe against Olmert. "I do not wish to comment on the issues relating to the Prime minister while the investigation is still underway. Like every other person, I need to wait and see what the results of the investigation will be," said Lindenstrauss, speaking after handing in the report to Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik. The current investigation against Olmert centers on suspicions that he illicitly received hundreds of thousands of dollars from American businessman and fund-raiser Morris Talansky. The Talansky probe was in fact triggered by evidence handed over by Lindenstrauss, a retired judge, which he had gathered in another investigation into the prime minister's conduct known as the "Investments Center" affair. The Investments Center probe involved suspicions of fraud and breach of trust from Olmert's tenure as industry and trade minister, when he allegedly helped grant favors to a factory represented by his former partner, attorney Uri Messer. Commenting on the report given to the Knesset on Tuesday, Lindenstrauss said it was a "significant, serious and severe one." "The report discusses many governmental aspects that require rapid modification," he said. In addition, Lindenstrauss said that many improvements have taken place in light of the conclusions reached by his office. The report's length exceeds 1,500 pages. Subjects discussed in the report include laws concerning provisions for the public services sector, specifically limiting the extent to which state workers may do business after retirement. In addition, the report examined the retirement conditions of senior police officers, state and army prison guards and other state workers. The state comptroller's report also looked into the budget the Prime Minister's office allocates to strengthening and rebuilding the north. Dealing with the Ministry of Justice, the state comptroller report examined the management and organizational character of the rabbinical courts. The report also discussed the implementation of a law requiring all public offices to allow free and open access to their information. State Comptroller to summon PM to testify in Pollard inquiry PM says willing to cooperate with comptroller on Pollard affair Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fear of extinction The state of over 20 species of birds in Israel has worsened considerably. Taking advantage Jerusalem police probe possible gang rape of disabled woman.   1.   Mazuz Should take a Lesson from Lindenstrauss: "No Comment" 18:38  |  Ovadiah ben Avraham 20/05/08   2.   Olmert can`t do 2 things at once. 19:32  |  Kipperraes 20/05/08   3.   Place the blame where it belongs! 19:52  |  Mike 20/05/08   4.   That`s nothing compared.... 20:39  |  Dennie 20/05/08   5.   What a caring, decisive PM we have. 06:26  |  Fortuna Benmayor 21/05/08

Read & React Al Gore: Israel should lead the way in renewable energy Responses: 75 Olmert to U.S.: Impose naval blockade on Iran Responses: 51 Akiva Eldar: If Israel wants peace, it must bolster Fatah Responses: 4 Opinion: The demise of the European left Responses: 4 Rosner's Domain 5 questions: Does Israel need rescue? Hyping the threat from Iran (WTR) Poll: Meeting the president of Iran - good or bad? Guests: In regard to Hezbollah, Israeli deterrence works "Controlled Unclassified Information" and the AIPAC trial (WTR) More Headlines 09:40 Olmert to U.S.: Impose naval blockade on Iran 10:00 Rival Lebanese leaders reach deal to end 18-month crisis 08:10 Police to question Olmert in Talansky bribe case Friday 09:09 Egypt still trying to commit smaller factions to cease-fire 08:00 In countdown to Champions League final, Avram Grant faces the test of his life 10:00 Hungarian-born Australian denies guilt in 1944 war crimes 09:13 Obama wins Oregon, moves to brink of Democratic nomination though Clinton wins Kentucky 02:58 PA forces in Jenin have shifted gears, striving to disarm Hamas 07:53 Al Gore says Israel should lead the way in renewable energy 06:03 Haredi Nahal soldiers to serve in Jenin for first time 10:00 Demjanjuk not to be deported unless extradition is requested Previous Editions Select Day 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may 07 may

Special Offers Advertisement Dead Sea Products Buy Dead Sea mineral skin care and beauty products. Coupon code Haaretz for 10% off. Istudy Learn Hebrew in 3 months The Terraces Your Ultimate Coastal Address On Nitza Boulevard, North Netanya Together Celebrating Israel's 60th The Jewish Agency and You - together making history Pardes Institute Summer Sessions http://www.pardes.org.il/ Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Real Estate in Israel

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved