Israel marked the beginning of Ramadan.
Celebrating the beginning of the Muslim fast month, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni hosted Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Arab diplomats in Jerusalem on Sunday.
Noting that this year Ramadan closely coincides with the Jewish High Holidays, Livni told reporters that both religions “represent friendship and understanding and the same values.” In a veiled reference to Hamas, she deplored the fact that “on the other side there are those who unfortunately exploit religion.”
Fayyad extended his best wishes for the Jewish New Year and joined Livni in voicing hope that accelerated Israeli-Palestinian talks in the coming months will bear fruit.
Separately, Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski officiated at the symbolic firing of a cannon in the capital to herald the first evening of Ramadan.
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