Queen Elizabeth II
Photo: Reuters
Nicolas Sarkozy
Photo: Reuters
World leaders congratulate Israel on its 60th anniversary
Peres receives numerous letters on eve of Independence Day. 'France will continue to stand by your side and work with you toward ending the suffering of the Israelis and Palestinians,' Sarkozy writes. Queen Elizabeth II, Hillary Clinton also among well-wishers
President Shimon Peres' office has been flooded in recent days with letters from world leaders congratulating the Israeli people on the country's 60th anniversary.
Among those who sent their blessings were Queen Elizabeth II, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, New York Senator Hillary Clinton, Irish President Mary McAleese, Austrian leader Heinz Fischer and many others.
"As you know, France has always been committed to Israel's security and to the pursuit of a comprehebnsive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East," Sarkozy wrote to his Israeli counterpart, "France will continue to stand by your side and work with you toward ending the suffering of the Israelis and Palestinians, which has gone on for too many years."
Queen Elizabeth II also sent her congratulations to the government and people of Israel on the occasion of Israel’s birthday.
In her letter to Peres, the Queen wrote, “It gives me particular pleasure to send Your Excellency my congratulations on the celebration of your National Day, on the 60th anniversary of your independence. I extend my best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the government and people of Israel in the coming year.”
Democratic presidential hopeful Clinton issued a statement saying that if elected she would continue to bolster the ties between the two countries and safeguard Israel's security.
However, not everyone seemed keen on joining in on the celebrations. An Iranian Jewish leader on Wednesday said his community would not mark this week's 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, which he accused of "killing innocent" Palestinians.
"We are in complete disagreement with the behavior of Israel," Siamak Morsadegh, the incoming Jewish member of the Iranian parliament following a March election, told Reuters.
