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Powell Expresses Condolences on Death of Yasser Arafat

Says U.S. will do all it "can to support and help the Palestinian people"

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has expressed the "deepest sympathies" of the United States to the Palestinian people following the death of their leader, Yasser Arafat.

In his November 11 statement, Powell said the United States will do all it can to "support and help the Palestinian people move forward toward peace during this period of transition."

Powell also sent condolences to the family of Yasser Arafat.

Following is Secretary Powell's statement:

U.S. Department of State
http://www.state.gov

Death of Yasser Arafat

Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, DC
November 11, 2004

On behalf of the United States, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies and support to the Palestinian people at this time of grief and sorrow. Our condolences go out to the family of Yasser Arafat.

Yasser Arafat was a significant figure in the history of the region and the world, and we know that, in the eyes of the Palestinian people, Arafat embodied their hopes and dreams for the achievement of an independent Palestinian State.
Our concern remains for the Palestinian people and the realization of the vision of an independent, democratic, viable Palestinian state, at peace with its neighbors, as set forward by President Bush. We will do all we can to support and help the Palestinian people move forward toward peace during this period of transition, and we encourage others in the region and the international community to do the same. It is our hope that calm will prevail in the region during this period of mourning.

2004/1223

[End]

Released on November 11, 2004