'Anani to represent Jordan's gov't at Peres funeral'

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Investment Affairs Jawad Anani will attend the funeral of former Israeli president Shimon Peres on Friday, an official source said on Thursday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Jordan Times that Anani will “represent the Jordanian government in the funeral”.

Several world leaders and officials will attend Friday’s funeral, according to international news agencies.

His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday sent a cable of condolences to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin over Peres' death, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In the cable, King Abdullah recalled Peres’ efforts to achieve peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis and his support for the two-state solution, with the aim of reaching a just, comprehensive peace in the region, Petra reported.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will be among the leaders who will attend Peres’ funeral, The Associated Press reported.

Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, died on Wednesday of complications from a stroke at the age of 93.

The White House said Wednesday night that President Barack Obama will lead a US delegation to occupied Jerusalem to attend Peres’ funeral. 

Former US president Bill Clinton and French President Francois Hollande will also be attending the funeral.