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6 Statements regarding Arafat's death

See also Death of Yasser Arafat

On November 11, 2004, the day of Arafat's death, a number of world leaders made statements summarizing his life and legacy:

6.1 Statements by world leaders

South African President Thabo Mbeki: Arafat had given hope to millions "by instilling in them the knowledge and consciousness that despite current difficulties, they hold the gift of freedom in their hands". [19] Australian Prime Minister John Howard said: "I think history will judge him very harshly for not having seized the opportunity in the year 2000 to embrace the offer that was very courageously made by the then Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, which involved the Israelis agreeing to 90 per cent of what the Palestinians had wanted."

[20]

British Prime Minister Tony Blair told GMTV: "The most important thing is to make sure we reinvigorate the peace process because there is misery for Palestinians, there is misery for Israelis who suffer terrorist activity." [21] In a tribute to Yasser Arafat he expressed his condolences to Arafat's family and the Palestinian people, declaring: "President Arafat came to symbolise the Palestinian national movement [...] He led his people to an historic acceptance of the need for a two-state solution." [22] Pakistan's President Musharraf said: "President Arafat was the symbol of the Palestinian struggle, With the demise of this great leader, an era has come to an end".

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton on Thursday offered condolences to Palestinians after the death of Yasser Arafat but said their leader had missed the opportunity to create lasting Middle East peace in 2000 at Camp David.

The chairman of the commission of the African Union, Alpha Oumar Konare said: "[He] pursued the noble cause until his end."

French President Jacques Chirac called Arafat "a man of courage and conviction". [23]

6.2 Statements of Israeli leaders

To Israelis, Arafat was an arch- terrorist and later, an obstacle to peace. The general public atmosphere regarding his death was one of relief and joy over the death of a bitter and cruel enemy. Israeli officials, however, reacted with restraint. [24]

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said: "The recent events could be a historic turning point for the Middle East. Israel is a country that seeks peace and will continue its efforts to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians without delay."

Israeli opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Shimon Peres said: "There is no doubt that with the death of Yasser Arafat an era has ended... for good or bad. The biggest mistake of Arafat was when he turned to terror. His greatest achievements were when he tried to build peace."

Justice Minister Yossef Lapid was the sharpest: "(It is) good that the world is rid of him... The sun is shining in the Middle East." [25] National Religious Party Chairman Effi Eitam said: "Today a heavy cloud has been removed from the values of life, freedom and liberty .. [Arafat] is gone, but his teachings have sunk like poison into the hearts of his people, and it will take many years to heal this wound ... The Palestinians must now strive to return to a culture of life, justice and compassion, so that in the future, we will be able to speak together to achieve peace and quiet." [26]

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Yasser ArafatYasser Arafat ( Arabic: Ysir `Araft) ( August 4 or August 24, 1929 November 11, 2004), born Muhammad Abd al-Rahman ar-Rauf al-Qudwah al-Husayni and also known as Abu Ammar was co-founder and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) (since 1

Yasser SeirawanYasser Seirawan (born March 24 1960) is a chess grandmaster and 4-time US-champion. He was winner of the World Junior Chess Championship in 1979. He was born in Damascus, Syria. When he was seven his family emigrated to Seattle ( USA). He is married to Yv

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