Olmert for approval Barak Defense Minister

      Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has begun phoning government ministers for the approval to appoint newly elected Labor Party Chairman Ehud Barak as defense minister, Kol Israel reported. Defense Minister Amir Peretz resigned from the government on Friday. The Knesset is expected to approve Barak's appointment on Monday, immediately following which he will take over for Peretz. (15,02)