Arafat: World reactions

Reactions to the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat:

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“The death of Yasser Arafat is a significant moment in Palestinian history. We express our condolences to the Palestinian people. For the Palestinian people, we hope that the future will bring peace and the fulfilment of their aspirations for an independent, democratic Palestine that is at peace with its neighbours.” – U.S. President George W. Bush.

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“President Arafat was one of those few leaders who could be instantly recognised by people in any walk of life all around the world. For nearly four decades, he expressed and symbolised in his person the national aspirations of the Palestinian people.” – UN. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

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“It is one of the tragedies of the world that he didn’t understand that the terror that began here would spread to the entire world.” – Israeli Justice Minister Yosef Lapid.

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“His passing has to be a positive sign for future Middle East peace prospects, because under his leadership things could not have been worse.” - Rabbi Marvin Hier, head of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Los Angeles.

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“... Arafat’s legacy is one of terrorism and failed leadership. Instead of building a state for the Palestinian people, he focused on ways to destroy the Jewish state of Israel.” – Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, in New York.