Posted on 02/11/2003 1:07:44 PM PST by anotherview
Coalition negotiations limp along in the Kfar Maccabiah complex in Ramat Gan, and no one appears to be in any rush to complete them. After the Likud negotiating team met with its counterpart in the National Religious Party today (see next article), Meretz, United Torah Judaism, and Am Echad were next. At least one UTJ representative predicted afterwards that a right-wing/religious government would be established. The talks with Meretz were, predictably, unproductive - although Arutz-7's Effie Meir reports that the Likud team promised Meretz "pleasant surprises" in the future government's policies. Am Echad's incoming MK Ilana Cohen told Arutz-7 today that her party has a series of "socio-economic" demands.
Regarding yesterday's talks, the Likud says that Shinui was particularly tough, while the National Union provided a "happy surprise" with their relative flexibility. The National Union proposed adopting the guidelines of the previous government. In its meeting with Shas, the Likud warned that it intends to complete the formulation of a national Constitution, and to make major cutbacks in the national budget. Shas demanded that the status quo in religious affairs remain in effect, and said that it and the NRP are coordinated on religious issues.
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