Rice: Sharon 'man of enormous courage'
U.S. secretary of state offers prayers for Sharon recovery, says desire for peace deeply rooted in Israel; meanwhile, Jews across world pray for Sharon's wellbeing
politics and has turned out to be (the same) in the entire Middle East and in the world," United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told reporters in Washington.
Referring to the prime minister, currently clinging to life at Jerusalem hospital, as a "man of enormous courage," Rice added the "appropriate thing at this time" is to direct all hopes and thoughts to his quick recovery.
However, the American secretary of state hinted about the U.S. Administration's attitude regarding the post-Sharon era, noting that the desire for peace was deeply rooted within Israeli society.
Rice said some difficulties still remain regarding the security situation in the Palestinian Authority, but expressed her hope for a Palestinian effort to establish institutions that would form the basis for a future state.
"Prime Minister Sharon is a man of courage and peace. On behalf of all Americans, we send our best wishes and hopes to the prime minister and his family," Bush added.
Jews pray across world
Meanwhile, President George W. Bush also delivered a personal message on behalf of his wife Laura and himself, saying they were praying for Sharon's wellbeing.
"Laura and I share the concerns of the Israeli people about Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's health, and we are praying for his recovery," Bush said.
Prayer session in Rome (Photo: AFP)
Meanwhile, Prayers for the wellbeing of Sharon were held around the world. In the United States, Jewish communities gathered in more than 150 synagogues to hope Sharon recovers from the serious stroke he had suffered Wednesday night.
In Paris’ main synagogue Jews prayed for amelioration in the prime minister’s critical condition. Prayers for the prime minister were also held among Jewish communities in Russia and other countries.
