Katzav promises to resign if formally indicted

JERUSALEM - Israeli President Moshe Katsav flatly denied today allegations that he sexually assaulted four female employees and said he would resign as head of state if formally indicted.

"I didn't carry out any of the actions attributed to me," Katsav told reporters in an emotional and angry address after asking the Israeli parliament to grant him a temporary leave of absence.

"The law does not demand that I quit. The attorney-general does not demand this. I am not prepared to bow to blackmail," Katsav said. But he added: "If he decides (to indict me), I promise to resign."

- REUTERS