Livni to form new Israeli government

JERUSALEM, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni says she is set to begin efforts to build a new government.

Livni, the newly elected Kadima chairwoman, was appointed by President Shimon Peres to form a new coalition government Monday, The Jerusalem Post reported.

In her acceptance speech, she said she will form a government as soon as possible calling on political parties to put aside their ideological differences aside for the good of the country.

"We need to work as fast as possible to end the uncertainty that has stretched on for way too long," Livni said. "We have more in common than what divides us. Such a government can make needed reforms and return people's faith in their elected officials."

She also praised Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for resigning, saying he had "acted in a respectful and statesmanlike way." Olmert is under multiple investigations for alleged corruption.