Arafat symbolises Palestine's struggle, says Obasanjo
PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday sent a message of condolence to the interim leader of the Palestinian authority, Mr. Rawhi Fattuh on the death of the former Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, describing him as a living symbol of the Palestinians struggle for a rightful place in the comity of nations."
In a letter dated November 11, 2004, President Obasanjo said the news of the death of Arafat came to Nigeria and its government with sadness.
Arafat, he said, had also, in his life, become the "symbol and embodiment of the struggle for the actualisation of the sovereign state of Palestine".
He said: "Having followed with keen interest his heroic struggles to secure an independent homeland for the Palestinians over the past four decades, we understand very well that Yasser Arafat had become more than a leader of your people".
"He had become a living symbol and embodiment of their long and valiant struggle for their rightful place in the comity of nations," the letter added.
President Obasanjo urged the Palestinian people to take solace in the memory of his dedication to the service of his people and for the cause of justice.
To the new leader, Obasanjo prayed that the Almighty would grant him wisdom, courage and fortitude to continue the work of the fallen leader and "eventually bring the struggle to a peaceful and happy conclusion."
