A dispute is marring the Labour party leadership election in Israel. Israeli public radio is reporting that one of the candidates, Binyamin Ben Eliezer, is claiming fraud in the voting. He has called for the establishment of an electoral verification commission.
Speaking in Tel Aviv, the Israeli Defence Minister said: "It is a major political scandal which smears the entire party". With 99% of the ballots counted Mr Ben Eliezer's opponent Avraham Burg is slightly in the lead. A result is expected later today.
In a separate development, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is expected to hold talks with the Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres next week. The talks are aimed at ending the 11 months of bloodshed in the Middle East.
Speaking to the Reuters newsagency President Arafat's advisor said: "President Arafat told (EU foreign policy chief Javier) Solana he will contact him on Sunday to set the time and venue of a meeting with Peres".
