Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Director-General Ilan Cohen this morning agreed with Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that Ra’anan Dinur will succeed the former as PMO Dir.-Gen. by the beginning of May and the formation of the new Government.

PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen had expressed his desire to resign and return to the private sector following the hospitalization of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He proposed an orderly transition with Ra’anan Dinur in order assure continuity in the administration of the PMO and of the special projects in the various stages of planning and implementation, such as the Negev development strategy, the multi-year Jerusalem development plan, finishing dealing with the former residents of Gush Katif and various budgetary and economic issues.

PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen expressed his satisfaction that his successor will be Ra’anan Dinur, whom he esteems highly in light of the successful cooperation and friendship between them.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert thanked PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen for his service and commended his work in planning and implementing the Disengagement Plan, in managing various crises and in his work during the absence of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from his post due to the latter’s illness.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert and PMO Dir. Gen. Cohen agreed that the latter would continue to serve as a special adviser to the former for various projects.

PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen said: “These have been among the most complex and dramatic years in the history of the State of Israel in every respect.  I very much appreciate the Acting Prime Minister for cooperating with the PMO and for his warm relationship with me during the transition period.  I will always remember the unique opportunity of having been called to work with Ariel Sharon.”

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appointed Ilan Cohen PMO Director-General on 9.5.04 in order - inter alia - to coordinate the disengagement project, implement socio-economic reforms and promote multi-year planning in the Government.