|
The Israeli
Justice Ministry on Sunday afternoon banned all entry to the Knesset office of
MK Azmi Bishara, hours after he submitted his resignation from the Knesset at Israel's embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
MK Azmi
Bishara, who was leader of the National Democratic Assembly Party (BALAD), submitted
his resignation from the Knesset at the Israeli embassy in Cairo on Sunday at noon. Israeli Ambassador
to Egypt,
Shalom Cohen, and his deputy were present when Bishara submitted the letter.
In his
letter of resignation, addressed to Knesset speaker Dalia Itzik, Bishara wrote:
"During my work in the Knesset, I did my best to represent the universal
values in which I believe, such as equality and democracy, human rights and
just peace between the peoples."
"I
also acted to loyally represent all citizens, in particular the Arab citizens,"
he said.
"I can
look back and say with satisfaction that I contributed to the development of a
new parliamentary discussion regarding the Arab population as a collective
nation and the concept of citizenship," he continued. "Since the last
elections, I arrived at a decision to resign and make time for public activism,
as well as contemplative and literary writing."
Bishara is
subject of an Israeli police investigation into unspecified criminal charges. Police
spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld stated there was an ongoing inquiry against
Bishara by the Israeli police international crime and investigations unit. He
said the court forbade disclosing any other details, including what charges
Bishara might face, until the gag order expires on 23 April.
"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.
|
News 
