Peres thanks Romania for help in rescue efforts

President Shimon Peres spoke to Romanian counterpart Traian Băsescu Thursday, shortly before the bodies of six Israeli soldiers killed in the helicopter crash in Romania were flown to Israel.

Peres thanked Băsescu for his country's aid in the rescue efforts and the warmth it showed Israel in the past few days.

"I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the State of Israel for your personal involvement," Peres said, highlighting Romania's warmth and positive attitude in all aspects pertaining to the handling of the Israeli soldiers  killed in the helicopter crash.

Peres said Romania's warm attitude "moved us all, and myself in particular' and was greatly appreciated in Israel."

The president also conveyed his sympathy to the Romanian people and the family of the Romanian observer who died along with the Israeli soldiers.

Băsescu said that the identification of the bodies and their speedy return to Israel was at the top of his priorities as president.

Thursday morning, representatives of the Chief Rabbinate finished identifying the six Israeli bodies. An Air Force Boeing aircraft departed for Romania in order to return the bodies back to Israel. The plane was expected back Thursday after a military memorial service for the seven victims held in Romania.

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