Peres and Netanahu sing at Tuesday event.
Peres and Netanahu sing at Tuesday event.Israel news photo: GPO

The Office of the President reports having been inundated over the past few days with letters from heads of states from across the world, on the occasion of Israel's 62nd anniversary of independence. Letters arrived from US President Barack Obama, Queen of Britain Elizabeth II, German President Horst Köhler, Queen of the Netherlands Beatrix, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Mexican President Felipe Calderón, Slovenian President Danilo Türk, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, East Timorese President José Ramos-Horta, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, and others.



President Obama's blessing stated, “The United States remains unwavering in its commitment to Israel’s security as we work towards our common goal of a lasting peace. Israel’s prosperity is a reflection of the hard work and ingenuity of its people. I wish the State of Israel a peaceful future so that the dream of Israelis and their forefathers can continue to be realized.”



Egypt wants peace

Egyptian President Mubarak wrote in his letter, “I am pleased to congratulate you as you celebrate Independence Day and I would like to seize this occasion to renew my wish to see your efforts to put the peace process in the Middle East back on its right track in order to end the circle of violence and bloodshed. On the other hand, [a peace agreement] would allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in safety and peace. I would like to assure you that achieving such just and comprehensive peace is the means to enable all the peoples of the region — including the people of the State of Israel — to live in security and stability.”



Queen Elizabeth II wrote, “As you celebrate your National Day, I have much pleasure in sending my warmest greetings to Your Excellency and the people of Israel, together with my best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous future.”



Turks wish Israel well

Turkish President Abdullah Gül, whose country's relationship with Israel has been rocky of late, wrote to President Peres: “In the name of the Turkish people and myself, I send my blessings on the occasion of Israel’s Independence Day. I would like to take this opportunity to repeat and confirm our desire to advance relations with Israel on a basis of mutual interests and by contributing to peace and stability in the Middle East. I wish you health and happiness, and prosperity and well-being to our friends, the Israeli people."



Russian President Dmitry Medvedev wrote to President Peres, “I have a pleasure to congratulate You and all the Israeli people with the 62th Anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel. I am convinced that the atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding, which is inherent in the Russian-Israeli dialogue, will serve as a solid basis for further development of multidimensional bilateral ties for the benefit of our peoples and to the interest of strengthening security and stability in the Middle East.”

Medvedev invited Peres to Moscow, to attend the festivities commemorating the 65th anniversary of the victory of Russia and the Allies over the Nazis.