Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

ATLANTA –Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon who recently suffered a stroke:

“On behalf of all Georgians, Mary and I send our thoughts and prayers to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and hope for a full, speedy recovery.  While in Israel two months ago, I had the honor of meeting the Prime Minister and found him to be a warm, open and sincere leader with an infectious sense of humor.  Our entire delegation was riveted by this man who could speak with ease and knowledge about modern agricultural techniques, the Bible or Middle East policy.  Prime Minister Sharon is truly a patriot, someone who physically fought and sacrificed for his nation in the past and someone who chose to take a courageous and historic stand in order to secure a peaceful future for his people.

“I also had the opportunity to have dinner with Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.  Although this is a difficult and uncertain time for the State of Israel, I am convinced that Minister Olmert has the wisdom and vision to lead that nation through these uncharted waters.  He, too, is a charismatic leader who will no doubt carry forward with Sharon 's work.

“We pray for Prime Minister Sharon, Minister Olmert and for Israel .”

# # #