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Last update - 23:52 20/01/2009
Olmert: U.S.-Israeli relations will grow even stronger under Obama
By Haaretz Service
Tags: Israel News, hamas, gaza 

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday congratulated U.S. President Barack Obama upon his inauguration, saying he expects Israeli-American relations
to become even stronger.

"We wish the incoming President success in his office and are certain that we will be full partners in advancing peace and stability in the Middle East," Olmert said in a statement.
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"The greatest democracy in the world has again proven that it is a beacon and example for many countries," he said. "The entire State of Israel rejoices with the United States and welcomes President Obama."

The prime minister also thanked outgoing U.S. President George W. Bush for his friendship with Israel over the course of his terms in office.

"The United States, including both parties, has been a true and strong friend of the State of Israel over the years, especially during former President Bush's term of office," Olmert said.

"I am convinced that the United States' deep and abiding ties with Israel will strengthen further," he added. "The values of democracy, brotherhood and freedom that constitute the building blocks of American society are also shared by Israeli society, together with the faith in man's power and ability to change and influence his surroundings."

Hours before Obama's inauguration on Tuesday, President Shimon Peres heralded the swearing in of America's first black president as a great day for the whole of humanity.

"Today is a great day not only for the United States of America, but for the entire world. Obama was elected by the United States, but as a matter of fact, he was chosen by the whole of humankind," said Peres in a statement released by his office.

Obama, 47, the son of a Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, took his Oath of Office midday Tuesday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Peres also branded Obama's assumption of the presidency as the correction of "one of the greatest mistakes in the annals of history," in a reference to slavery.

Touching on claims that the new president would be less accommodating toward Israel than his predecessor, Bush, Peres asserted that, "I am sure that Israel will be a good partner to President Obama.

"They say Obama will be a good president to Israel, and I say Israel will be a good country for the President, because his goals are our goals, his hopes are our hopes, his source is our source," he said.

Related articles:
  • Americans in Israel gear up for Barack Obama's inauguration
  • Akiva Eldar / As Obama is sworn in, Israelis and Palestinians will be thinking 'no we can't'
    • Bookmark to del.icio.us  
     
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      1.   keep ypur fingers cross 17:15  |  observer 20/01/09
      2.   Peres is out of his league 17:22  |  Natallie Durson 20/01/09
      3.   President Peres knows Israel can`t save herself from herself 17:48  |  Ivar 20/01/09
      4.   his goals are our goals: THAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN! 19:09  |  newageblues 20/01/09
      5.   Why on earth should Israel`s goals 20:48  |  steve 20/01/09
      6.   Nice of Israel to Pause the Massacre 22:39  |  Lee Kaplan 20/01/09
      7.   Peres,who asked you? go back to your cage 22:44  |  chaim 20/01/09
      8.   dream on 23:10  |  rickibobbi 20/01/09
      9.   if Israel is happy with the 1967 borders then thay are the same 23:12  |  Stephen L 20/01/09
      10.   full partnership 23:15  |  hollingsworth 20/01/09
      11.   Advancing Mideast Peace?? 23:28  |  justice 20/01/09
      12.   You still talk about peace? You must be kidding! 23:34  |  jean 20/01/09
      13.   contemplations about Gaza 23:40  |  Leon 20/01/09
      14.   Military Aid to Israel 23:42  |  Tug 20/01/09
      15.   What peace? 23:42  |  paul 20/01/09
      16.   His idea of peace 00:49  |  Esra 21/01/09
      17.   The ploy still getting the Presidents talking 00:51  |  Stanley 21/01/09
      18.   Hoping that President Obama is NOT one of those easy puppet. 00:53  |  Harrison 21/01/09
      19.   US-ISRAEL 00:53  |  The Teacher/Instruct 21/01/09
      20.   Response to Stephen L (# 9). Israel was quite happy with 1967... 00:59  |  flyingdoc57 21/01/09
      21.   Let`s see what Obama has to say about Gaza 01:07  |  Hope 21/01/09
      22.   Obama for Israel 01:08  |  DL 21/01/09
      23.   # TO TUG 01:22  |  Bronson 21/01/09
      24.   Leon # 13 01:46  |  Vec 21/01/09
      25.   You just finished maiming 5450 childre. Dare to speak? 02:50  |  American 21/01/09
      26.   Don`t be foolish 02:56  |  Zionist 21/01/09
      27.   Olmert and the warmongers don`t really represent Israel. 03:08  |  Maureen Ann 21/01/09
      28.   Can Obama move past Pal. rejectionists 03:18  |  bronxite10 21/01/09
      29.   Does the head stooge really believe? 04:00  |  Mark Lincoln 21/01/09
      30.   Hamas = Hiding Amongst Mosques and Schools 04:40  |  Nutt Ali Duuhson 21/01/09
      31.   If there is an alternative, Obama will find it. 05:33  |  Susanna/Shoshana 21/01/09
      32.   Peres 07:39  |  Jean Van Daem 21/01/09
      33.   Americans are not idiots 09:22  |  peace 21/01/09
      34.   Wasn`t Olmert predicting the end of the world? 14:55  |  Mark Lincoln 21/01/09
      35.   In your dreams, Maureen 23:29  |  hollingsworth 21/01/09
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    Shai Golden: A strong, victorious Israel is far more likely to make peace
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