Israel bids farewell to late president

Israelis paid an emotionaltribute Tuesday to late President Ezer Weizman as they gathered forhis funeral in the coastal town of Or Akiva.

President Moshe Katsav called Weizman a "man of vision" and "oneof the most influential figures in Israel."

"Weizman will be remembered as a great patriot, for he foughtfor the principles in which he believed," said Katsav.Weizman's legacy, said Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, willcontinue to serve as an inspiration for the state.Weizman is credited as having played a key role in Israel's 1979peace deal with Egypt.

"Generations of pilots, soldiers and youngsters are taught thestory of your life," said Sharon. "You were always a believer inIsrael's strength, its talent and the courage in the hearts of itscitizens. You were a fierce opponent of any display of weakness."

The national flag was flown at half mast Tuesday atop all publicbuildings, as thousands of people turned out to pay their lastrespect to Israel's seventh president, who died Sunday night at 80.

A formation of F-16s from the Israel Air Force 101 Squadronperformed a memorial flyover, of which Weizman was commander foreight years until 1966.

Condolences poured in from around the world. Former US PresidentJimmy Carter released a statement expressing his sorrow over thedeath of Weizman.

Jordanian King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak andPalestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei also sent their condolenceson the occasion.

Weizman served as Israel's seventh president from 1993 to 2000.As president, he once invited then Palestinian National AuthorityChairman Yasser Arafat to his house in an effort to push forwardthe Mideast peace process.

Weizman was forced to resign as president over a police probeinto allegations of bribery while he served as a lawmaker andcabinet minister. Charges were never pressed as the statute oflimitations had expired.

Source: Xinhua