In a condolence letter to Rawahi Fattouh, Palestinian Legislative Council Speaker and Acting President of the Palestinian National Authority, President Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam said “President Arafat who was an enduring symbol of Palestine nationhood selflessly devoted his life to the Palestinian people.” President Kalam also stated that Arafat was greatly admired for his courage and sacrifice not only by the Palestinian people but also by peace-loving people in the Arab region and throughout the world. “In the passing away of President Arafat, the Palestinian people have not only lost a great patriot but also a great visionary whose only ambition in life was to achieve the homeland for the Palestinian people,” President Kalam said.

* President of the Republic of India