WORLD’S REACTIONS | To death of Sharon

Here is a selection of reactions from world leaders and others to the death of former Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who was both admired and despised for his bold style and hard-driving tactics.

“When it was necessary to fight, he stood at the forefront of the divisions in the most sensitive and painful places, but he was a smart and realistic person and understood well that there is a limit in our ability to conduct wars.” — Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Sharon’s former deputy who took office after the 2006 stroke.

President Barack Obama expressed his condolences to Sharon’s family and to Israelis “on the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to the state of Israel ... we join with the Israeli people in honoring his commitment to his country.”

“He wanted to erase the Palestinian people from the map ... he wanted to kill us, but at the end of the day, Sharon is dead and the Palestinian people are alive.” — Tawfik Tirawi, who served as Palestinian intelligence chief when Sharon was prime minister.

“After eight years, he is going in the same direction as other tyrants and criminals whose hands were covered with Palestinian blood.” — Khalil al-Haya, a leader in the Islamic militant group Hamas.

“During his years in politics, it is no secret that there were times the United States had differences with him. But ... you admired the man who was determined to ensure the security and survival of the Jewish State.” — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

“Ariel Sharon is one of the most significant figures in Israeli history and as prime minister he took brave and controversial decisions in pursuit of peace ... Israel has today lost an important leader.” — British Prime Minister David Cameron.

“For those who believe in the ideal, he did a wonderful thing. ... It is difficult to have peace without war.” — Gene Simmons, Israeli-born KISS bassist.

Source: The Associated Press