Minister for Foreign Affairs Emma Bonino expressed her condolences on the death of Ariel Sharon to his family and to the people of Israel, citing the indomitable spirit with which he dedicated his life to the security of the State of Israel, an objective with which Italy fully agrees and has strived to safeguard on every occasion. In the final years of his life, Ariel Sharon’s dedication was also expressed through courageous political choices. “I believe”, the minister added, “that pursuit of the two-State solution with that same courage and conviction is the best possible tribute to the memory of Ariel Sharon, and the best instrument for continuing to protect the existence and security of Israel as a democratic Jewish State”.