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Ukrainian premier expresses condolences on Sharon’s death

KIEV, January 11, /ITAR-TASS/. Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov expressed condolences to Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the death of Israeli ex-premier Ariel Sharon, the government’s press service reported on Saturday.

“In the person of Sharon Israel lost a talented politician. The milestones of your state are linked with the name of Ariel Sharon,” Azarov said in a telegram.

On behalf of the Ukrainian government Azarov expressed condolences to the Israeli people.

Sharon died at the Sheba Medical Centre of Tel Hashomer Hospital in Tel Aviv, on Saturday, January 11.

Medics said on January 1 that Sharon’s condition “deteriorated significantly”.

On January 2, director Tel Hashomer Hospital, Professor Zeev Rotstein said Sharon was in critical condition and his life was in danger after several vital organs failed.

The former Israeli premier has been in a coma since 2006 following a stroke that incapacitated him at the height of his political power.

As a politician, Sharon became known as “the bulldozer” for his bold tactics, contempt for his critics and hard-line approach. He was elected to premiership in 2001. In 2005, he directed the withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip, bringing an end to the country’s 38-year military control of the territory. Later quitting the Likud Party, he formed a more central Kadima Party.

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