JERUSALEM, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday he has decided not to contend in the Kadima primary and would resign as soon as the new party leader was chosen, due to the criminal investigations embroiled him in recen tmonths.

    Olmert made the announcement in a statement to the public from his official residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday evening.

    Olmert began the unexpected address by saying that despite having been beset by investigations during his tenure, he has improved the situation in Israel and continues to believe that peace is the most important track for the country.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gives a speech during a graduation ceremony of the National Security College in Jerusalem July, 2008

The prime minister said as long as he is in power, he would work toward this goal of peace.

    "I am proud to be the prime minister of a country that investigates its prime ministers," he said, adding that, "The prime minister is not above the law, but he is in no way below it."

    The primary election of the ruling Kadima party is set for Sept.17.