“Arafat is the most competent Arab leader. He held the most solid positions.”
When the passing of Yasser Arafat was announced, Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika extended his condolences to the Palestinian people, stating that Arafat was the most competent Arab leader and that he showed the most solid positions.in a letter to the Palestinian leadership, stating:
Yasser Arafat – the symbol of Arab struggle – passed away. He was the most the competent Arab leader. He showed the most solid positions and had the soundest opinion[s] and most upright determination. He most adhered to right principles. More than anyone was he subjected to pressures and conspiracies. He vigorously confronted threats and challenges.
He who united Palestinian banners of various inclinations and positions has passed away. On multiple fronts, he waged a struggle against the most fierce enemy that mankind has ever known, as well as the last settlement-oriented colonial regime in the twentieth century. His positions were never swayed by tenderness or weakness.
He who carried in his right hand the olive branch – the symbol of peace and love – before the United Nations and all the leaders of the world has passed. He called for renouncing intolerance, creating peace, and overcoming hatred and intimidation. He stretched his arms . . . to embrace all races and religions on the blessed land of Palestine – the land of the prophets, martyrs, and the righteous. He raised his voice, reiterating and forewarning: “Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand so that tyranny cannot spread and drown humanity in tears and blood.” Regrettably, this is what we see today in Palestine and in other places.
Bouteflika criticized Israel’s refusal to bury his body in Jerusalem, stating: “No. Yasser Arafat did not die. Otherwise, why would his enemy fear him and prevent his pure body to be buried in the capital of his country.”
