Former Finance Minister Pinhas Saphir was elected Secretary General of the Israel Labor Party here last night, succeeding Mrs. Golda Meir who resigned last month. He said that his main task in office would be to eliminate the “last vestiges of separate identity” among the Mapai, Achdut Avodah and Rafi factions which merged earlier this year to form Israel’s largest political party.
Mr. Saphir resigned from his ministry post today but will remain in the coalition Cabinet as a minister without portfolio. He will, however, remain active in recruiting foreign capital and investments for Israel. Only one vote was cast in opposition to his election and there were two abstentions. Mrs. Meir, who had been secretary general of the Labor Party since its formation, said that she would continue to give aid and advice in all party matters.
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