Statement of Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka on the demise of former Israeli President Shimon Peres

I was saddened by the news of the demise of the late Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Shimon Peres was one of the generation of founders and tireless builders of the State of Israel. At the same time he strived for a durable peace settlement between Israel and Palestinians, which has been recognized, among other honours, by the Nobel Peace Prize he has received. Mr.Peres was one of the architects of the Oslo peace accords which I am convinced are still today a possible path to achieving peace in the Middle East. The region of the Middle East needs politicians like Shimon Peres to break the vicious circle of prejudice, religious fundamentalism and violence.
I share the grief over the passing of this great figure of the State of Israel, which is one of the traditional friends and allies of the Czech Republic. I convey my sympathies to the family of Mr. Peres and to all Israeli citizens.

Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister of the Czech Government