US millionaire Morris Talansky, key witness in the investigation of alleged corruption by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, told a court that he gave cash-stuffed envelopes to the premier
JERUSALEM: US millionaire Morris Talansky, key witness in the investigation of alleged corruption by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, told a court on Tuesday here that he gave cash-stuffed envelopes to the premier to fund his poltical ambitions.
At a pre-trial deposition at the Jerusalem District Court, Talansky said he gave Olmert USD 150,000 out of his own pocket, speculating that some of the money went to fund Olmert's fondness for fine hotels, first-class flights and luxury goods.
Talanskytold the court that he gave Olmert the money to fund his political activities over a period of 16 years and that the Premier's assistant Shula Zaken would often ask for cash to cover unidentified personal expenses.
Stressing that he did not give the Israeli leader money for personal gains, the American businessman noted thathe met the Prime Minister10 times between 2002 and 2005, when the Israeli leader was Minister for Industry, Trade and Labour.
On each of these occasions, Talansky said, he handed over Olmertcash-stuffed envelopes.
"I had a very close relationship with him for over 16 years. The relationship was one of great admiration. I never expected anything from him and never received anything from him whatsoever," said Talansky, testifying as a witness in the case.
Olmert has accepted receiving funds from Talansky but denied any wrongdoing. Olmert said he would resign if indicted in the case.
Recounting his relationship with the Israeli premier, Talansky toldthe court that the two first met when he was raising funds for the Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek Medical Centre.
"Olmert was serving as health minister at the time. We became close. I learned that he wanted to run for Mayor of Jerusalem, that he believed in a strong, united city. I had a great admiration for him. We used to call him 'the Prince of the Likud(party). I truly loved him", the US fundraiser said.
Talansky said he pledged Olmert help in his Jerusalem Mayoral bid and it was then he was asked to make cash donations.
"I said I would help him. I asked him why I couldn't just write him a cheque and he said it was because of the way the money was routed. So I gave him cash."
Olmert was mayor of Jerusalem and trade minister before becoming premier in 2006 after his predecessor Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke and fell into a coma.
When asked by State Prosecutor MosheLador to explain how the money changed hands, the US businessman said,"I gave it to Shula Zaken. But I remember he (Olmert) was with her at least once. I gave them the money in envelopes. Back in the
States I also gave him money directly."
When asked if he had any knowledge on what Olmert was using the money for, he said, "Shula always said he had expenses. Olmert said the funds were used for the primaries. He explained that it was just like when you run for elections, that you need (to pay for) flyers, posters, campaign staff etc. When he traveled, they would only give him business class seats and not first class seats".
"I know some of the money was spent on that. I know some went to buy cigars. He likes expensive cigars, expensive pens," Talansky added.
As for the infamous trip to the US, Talansky confirmed that he paid for Olmert's stay at the Ritz Carlton in Washington.
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