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Friday, 30 September 2016

Shimon Peres funeral: Leaders hail legacy of former Israeli leader

US President Barack Obama is seen upon his arrival to attend the funeral of former Israeli President Shimon Peres at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem 30 September 2016.
Leaders from around the world paid their respects, including Barack Obama
World leaders have hailed the vision of the late Israeli leader, Shimon Peres, as he was laid to rest days after his death at the age of 93.


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described him as "a great man of the world", as he led the eulogies. US President Barack Obama said the presence of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas at the funeral was a reminder of the "unfinished business of peace".
Former US president Bill Clinton delivers a speech at the funeral ceremony for Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, Israel, 30 September 2016.
Former US President Bill Clinton helped usher in the Oslo peace accords which won a Nobel Peace Prize for Mr Peres
Mr Abbas was among dozens of foreign dignitaries attending in Jerusalem. Security was intensified ahead of the ceremony, with several people arrested.
Britain
The UK's Prince Charles and French President Francois Hollande also bade their farewells
Delivering an emotional address, Mr Netanyahu said that while Israel and the world grieved for Mr Peres there was hope in his legacy.

"Shimon lived a life of purpose," he told thousands gathered at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl cemetery.
"He soared to incredible heights. He swept so many with his vision and his hope. He was a great man of Israel.


In this Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1993, file photo, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres is all smiles along with PLO negotiator Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa
Taken months after the Oslo Agreement was signed, this photograph shows Shimon Peres, left, with Mahmoud Abbas, centre, and Egypt's then Foreign Minister Amr Moussa
"He was a great man of the world."