Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's top aide has announced his resignation. His chief of staff Yoram Turbowicz, who has been the senior negotiator in indirect talks with Syria, said he plans to leave his job when Olmert resigns several weeks from now. Turbowicz also has served as the main connection between American President George W. Bush and the Prime Minister.
Turbowicz announced his resignation within 24 hours after Prime Minister Olmert told the nation he will quit office after Kadima elects a replacement to lead the party next month. The chief aide said he will continue serving voluntarily, but media analysts said his move strikes a serious blow to the talks with Syria, which have been mediated by Turkey.
The Prime Minister had said that the diplomatic process would continue as usual despite his plan to step down from office.
The Syrian ambassador to the United Nations, Bashar Jaafari, expressed serious doubts that the indirect talks with Israel would not be adversely affected.