The Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos represented today the Government, the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the burial service and funeral procession of the former Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon.
After the completion of the ceremony, Mr. Avramopoulos made the following statement:
“Ariel Sharon played a leading role in the, much afflicted, Middle East.
He was a significant personality of the State of Israel, to which his life was devoted.
At a period with particular tension, which all involved parties want to leave behind, and they should do so.
The international community anticipates the re-launching of negotiations that will guarantee the constant and permanent pacification in the Middle East.
Through the mutually accepted position of the two states, of Palestine and of Israel, the right to existence of which should be respected by everyone.
The Greek Government and the Presidency of the Council of the European Union that I represent, express their condolences to Ariel Sharon’s family and to Israel for their loss and look forward to the pacification and growth of this region and its peoples”.