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Katsav 'should halt his duties' Katsav 'should halt his duties'
(40 minutes later)
Israel's president should halt public duties while he is investigated over alleged sexual offences, including rape, the attorney-general says. Israel's president should halt public duties while allegations over sexual offences - including rape - are resolved, the attorney-general says.
His advisory legal opinion came in response to a question from the supreme court, which had asked Moshe Katsav to explain why he had not stepped down. His non-binding legal opinion follows a request from the supreme court.
The government does not have the power to remove Mr Katsav, 60, from his largely ceremonial position.The government does not have the power to remove Mr Katsav, 60, from his largely ceremonial position.
Mr Katsav has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name. Mr Katsav has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name. The allegations against him were made by a number of female employees.
The allegations against him were made by a number of female employees. Two weeks ago, Israeli police said they had enough evidence to charge Mr Katsav with rape, wire-tapping and other crimes.
Two weeks ago, Israeli police said they had enough evidence to charge Mr Katsav with rape and wire-tapping.
The following day, he decided not to attend the opening of parliament.The following day, he decided not to attend the opening of parliament.
A final decision on whether to bring charges is expected in a matter of weeks.
'Public expectations'
"Given the special position of the head of state, who symbolises the sovereignty of the state, it is necessary that the president suspend himself during this affair, so that it reflects what public opinion expects from the institution of the presidency," Attorney General Menachem Mazuz was quoted as saying.
He also suggested that if Mr Katsav failed to step aside, parliament should act as it is "the only body that can pronounce itself on the end of the president's mandate."
There was no immediate comment from Mr Katsav's office.
The father-of-five was elected for a seven-year term in 2000. He has rejected calls to quit.The father-of-five was elected for a seven-year term in 2000. He has rejected calls to quit.
He has said he is the victim of a "public lynching without trial or investigation".He has said he is the victim of a "public lynching without trial or investigation".
Correspondents say that while Mr Mazuz's opinion does not mean the embattled president has to resign, it piles further pressure on him to do so.