Ban Ki-moon offers condolences
Photo: Reuters
Pelosi – hope replaced by grief
Photo: AP
UN chief: Our thoughts and prayers are with bereaved families
Ban-Ki-moon conveys 'heartfelt condolences'; House Speaker Pelosi: Hope replaced by grief
WASHINGTON - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday his thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, following the return of Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser.
Mr. Ban also expressed his hope that there will be action soon for the release of IDF Corporal Gilad Shalit and of Palestinian prisoners. He said believes these steps will contribute to improving the overall humanitarian situation in the region.
The secretary general conveyed his heartfelt condolences and said he is deeply satisfied that the humanitarian aspects of Security Council Resolution 1701 have finally been met.
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'May their memory be a blessing'
Meanwhile, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi also offered her condolences.
“In early 2007, Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik visited the Capitol, bringing with her Karnit Goldwasser. Karnit had only been married 10 months when her husband Ehud and his fellow soldier Eldad Regev came under attack during a routine patrol within Israel from Hizbullah terrorists. During our meeting, Karnit gave me copies of their dog tags and I promised to work for their release," Pelosi said.
“I have taken the dog tags all around the world and have shown them to heads of state throughout the Middle East, in the hope that Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev would be returned to their loved ones alive," she said.
However, Pelosi added, "“today, our hope has been replaced by grief. As we mourn, I will hold on to these dog tags as a symbol of the sacrifices made – sacrifices far too great – for peace and security for the state of Israel.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Goldwasser and Regev families for the loss of their loved ones Ehud and Eldad. May their memory be a blessing," She said. “We must all continue to work for the release of Gilad Shalit and other Israeli soldiers who remain in captivity."
