Obama expresses 'personal condolences' upon word of Abdullah's passing
By MICHAEL WILNER
US President Barack Obama expressed "personal condolences" with "deep respect" upon word of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah's passing on Thursday night, reflecting on a "genuine and warm friendship" in a statement."King Abdullah’s life spanned from before the birth of modern Saudi Arabia through its emergence as a critical force within the global economy and a leader among Arab and Islamic nations," Obama said. "He took bold steps in advancing the Arab Peace Initiative, an endeavor that will outlive him as an enduring contribution to the search for peace in the region.""May God grant him peace," Obama added.
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