merrion street

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Shimon Peres. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his children Tsvia, Yoni and Chemi, and to all of his family and friends at this difficult time.

Shimon Peres was a great statesman with a remarkable and illustrious political career that stretches back to the 1950s. First and foremost, he was a voice for peace, and he will perhaps be most remembered for his central role in the Oslo Accords. This tireless search for peace was recognised by the international community with the Nobel Peace Prize of 1994, as well as the Honorary Knighthood and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

A visionary who recognised that the two-state solution is a paramount interest for Israel and believed that “The Palestinians are our closest neighbours. I believe they may become our closest friends”. I hope that his life and his leadership will inspire future generations of leaders committed to establishing lasting peace in the region to make that aspiration a reality.