Following are Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting today:

"Last Friday, President Shimon Peres charged MK Benjamin Netanyahu with the responsibility of forming a new government in Israel.  As one who was involved in forming coalitions and governments for decades, I am aware not only of the complexity of the task but also of its urgency and its importance.  Forming a coalition is, in effect, laying the foundation upon which the State of Israel will stand in the coming years.  Therefore, and for the benefit of the Israeli people, I would like to congratulate MK Benjamin Netanyahu and wish him success.

As one who is aware of the range of issues on the agenda and of the tough decisions down the road, I believe that the State of Israel needs a strong, stable government that reflects the will of the people and that will win its confidence, in order to deal with the problems in the diplomatic, security and socio-economic spheres.  These are complex challenges that require the attention of our best forces.  From my perspective, it is also important that it be done quickly.  I call on all those involved and/or who will be involved in the coalition negotiations to work efficiently and quickly in order to form – as quickly as possible – a government that will enjoy full authority and that will be able to govern effectively.

It is self-evident, that until such a government is established, the current Government will continue to conduct affairs of state, with full responsibility, even in this transition period.  At the same time, we are ready for an orderly transfer of power; all government bodies are intensively engaged so that the new Government may enter office as quickly as possible."