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Tony Blair expresses "deep sadness and condolences" after Carmel fire
Friday, Dec 03, 2010 in Office of the Quartet Representative
Quartet Representative Tony Blair today expressed his “deep sadness and condolences” to those who have lost life in Israel’s devastating forest fire which has already claimed 41 lives.
Tony Blair said: “I wish to express deep sadness and condolences for the tragic loss of life. My heart goes out to the bereaved families of the victims, and I pay tribute to the efforts of the Israeli emergency services and of those from other countries who have come to Israel’s aid at this time.”
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Friday morning thanked his international counterparts for their support. So far, 14 countries have sent assistance to Israel.
In a press conference held after an emergency cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu mentioned Greek Prime Minister George Papandreaus, who he called a “real friend,” as well as Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, Russian Prime Minister Vladmir Putin, and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also praised Israeli rescue workers, the IDF, the Israel Prisons Service, and hospitals around the country.
US President Barack Obama on Thursday offered his condolences to families of the victims of the uncontrolled fire.
"As rescuers and firefighters continue in their work, the United States is acting to help our Israeli friends respond to the disaster," President Obama said at a reception celebrating the second night of Hanukka.
"A short while ago, our ambassador in Tel Aviv, Jim Cunningham, issued a disaster declaration, which has launched an effort across the US government to identify the firefighting assistance we have available and provide it to Israel as quickly as possible. Of course, that's what friends do for each other."
President Obama continued: "Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody in Israel who is affected by this tragedy and the family and loved ones of those in harm’s way."
