Biden to lead US delegation for Sharon’s memorial service

Washington:  Expressing deepest condolences to the family of Ariel Sharon and to the people of Israel, US President Barack Obama said Vice President Joe Biden will lead the American delegation to the memorial service of the popular former Israeli premier.
“We reaffirm our unshakable commitment to Israel’s security and our appreciation for the enduring friendship between our two countries and our two peoples,” Obama said in a statement.
“We continue to strive for lasting peace and security for the people of Israel, including through our commitment to the goal of two states living side-by-side in peace and security. “As Israel says goodbye to Prime Minister Sharon, we join with the Israeli people in honouring his commitment to his country,” he said.
The Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express his condolences. Because of his pre-scheduled travel plans, Kerry would not be able to attend the memorial, his spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
Former US president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, an ex-Secretary of State, in a statement said Sharon gave his life to Israel — to bring it into being, to sustain and preserve it, and at the end of his long service, to create a new political party committed to both a just peace and lasting security. (PTI)