Barak, Peres Meet on Campaign Slogan LaunchIsraeli caretaker Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Minister of Regional Cooperation Shimon Peres met Thursday in the Tel Aviv studio where Barak's election campaign advertisements are filmed.The two were coached by Barak's campaign strategic advisors in preparation for the rest of the campaign and their participation in campaign ads. Barak's election headquarters will unveil his new slogan later in the day: "Ehud Barak, for the future of our children." This is the first slogan of the current campaign in which a candidate's name appears with a positive message. Other Barak slogans have derided the candidacy of Likud leader Ariel Sharon. Barak's campaign staff has been encouraged by internal polls conducted recently, which show that support for Barak has witnessed significant increase. Unlike Sharon who staged a grand ceremony to kick off his campaign, Barak's campaign team decided not to hold any ceremony of similar kind due to lack of funds. The campaign staff has focused on protesting wherever Sharon is campaigning. They demonstrated on Wednesday outside of the International Convention Center in Jerusalem while Sharon's campaign officially kicked off. On Thursday, the protesters accompanied Sharon on his tour of the northern part of the country. Peres on Thursday ruled out the possibility that he will run for prime minister instead of Barak who is trailing behind Sharon in public opinion polls. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |