Following are Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting today:

"This morning, we are holding the last Cabinet meeting before Tuesday's elections.  This will be the last meeting of the Government that Ariel Sharon led for the past five years.  Even as we are on the threshold of new elections and the subsequent formation of a new Government, there is no doubt that the spirit and path of Ariel Sharon will continue to an important component in the public and diplomatic affairs of the State of Israel for years to come. 

Elections for the 17th Knesset will be held in two days.  I call on all Israeli citizens to realize their right to participate in the elections and to vote.  There is no more appropriate and significant expression of civil rights than of voting and thus determining the fate of the country and the composition of its government.  Therefore, I call on all Israeli citizens to vote."