United Nations General Assembly 11 November 2004
Yasser Arafat making a victory-sign and greeted at the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, 2002. (Ronald de Hommel)
The Bureau of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People issued the following statement on the passing of the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and President of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat:
The Bureau of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People is deeply saddened by the death of Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and President of the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian people have lost a leader who, for decades, has been a powerful symbol of national aspiration, unity, steadfastness and courage, and who devoted most of his life to the struggle against the occupation and for the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
In the last decade, President Arafat has embarked on a historic journey towards achieving what he often called the “peace of the brave” and realizing the goal of establishing the State of Palestine, living side by side with Israel – the goal that would also bring peace, security and stability to the region.
The Bureau of the Committee is hopeful that, in these difficult times, the Palestinian people will remain united and determined to continue along the road of peace charted by President Arafat. We shall support the Palestinian people until their inalienable rights are fully realized in keeping with international legitimacy. The Committee will continue to work for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine in accordance with all relevant United Nations resolutions and international law.
On behalf of the Committee, the Bureau expresses its deepest condolences to the family of President Arafat and to the Palestinian people on this tragic loss.
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