CCTV9英语新闻：昏迷8年后,以色列前总理阿里埃勒·沙龙11日去世（在线收听）

By CCTV correspondent Stephanie Freid

Israel buried former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at his family farm on Monday. The 85-year-old died on Saturday after suffering from a stroke eight years ago and being in a coma ever since. As his coffin made its way to Sharon's final resting place, thousands, including international dignitaries and former military allies, attended the somber service.

Israel honored former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with a ceremony that began here at Jerusalem's parliament. Eulogies, delivered by Israel's prime minister, president, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U-S Vice President Joe Biden, recalled Sharon's staunch commitment to Israel's security and his military prowess. While at the same time, alluding to the controversies which also marked his career.

"From my observation he was a complex man, but to understand him better, I think, it's important to understand, history will judge, he also lived in complex times in a very complex neighborhood," Biden says.

Open to the public, thousands came to bid the former general farewell. Israel's chief of staff vowed that Israel's army would continue to follow in Sharon's footsteps. His two sons, both at his hospital bedside when he passed away, delivered moving eulogies about the larger-than-life man known at home as "the bulldozer".

"'Ariel', that is how I referred to you throughout much of my adult life. I had the privilege of being within the circle of people who worked for you and with you, the great privilege of seeing the seriousness, tremendous honor and dedication you allotted your role as prime minister," Sharon's son Omri Sharon says.

Dozens of wreaths were laid at the fresh grave site as an honor guard stood at attention. On an unseasonably temperate January day the final chapter of Ariel Sharon's life closed here at his ranch, making way for the next chapter: his place in the annals of Israel's history.

In the eulogies, delivered here, people talked about Ariel Sharon the courageous, fearless leader who left an indelible mark on the State of Israel. His sons said he was worthy of being a father and he has come home to his final resting place.