Speeches and Statements by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi




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(Unofficial Translation)

Statement of Mr.Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, On the occasion of the passing away of Mr.Yasser Arafat, the Ra'ees of the Palestinian Interim Self-government Authority and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

November 11, 2004

1. On the passing away of Mr.Yasser Arafat, the Ra'ees of the Palestinian Interim Self-government Authority and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), I express condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Japan to the bereaved family, the Palestinian Authority and to the Palestinians.

2. Mr. Arafat signed, on behalf of the Palestinian people, a historical peace accord known as the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements and the Agreed Minutes thereto as his efforts towards bringing about peace in the Middle East. For this achievement, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994. Mr. Arafat was elected the first Ra'ees of the Palestinian Authority through the direct election by the Palestinians in 1996. He was indeed a pioneer who had laid out the foundation for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

3. Mr. Arafat visited Japan six times since October 1981. He made the acquaintance with many Japanese and deepened his friendship with them. I pray that his soul would rest in peace. I sincerely hope the Palestinians overcome their sorrow and continue with their struggle for achieving peace and prosperity in the region.

1.	On the passing away of Mr.Yasser Arafat, the Ra'ees of the Palestinian Interim Self-government Authority and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), I express condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Japan to the bereaved family, the Palestinian Authority and to the Palestinians.
2.	Mr. Arafat signed, on behalf of the Palestinian people, a historical peace accord known as the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements and the Agreed Minutes thereto as his efforts towards bringing about peace in the Middle East. For this achievement, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994. Mr. Arafat was elected the first Ra'ees of the Palestinian Authority through the direct election by the Palestinians in 1996. He was indeed a pioneer who had laid out the foundation for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
3.	Mr. Arafat visited Japan six times since October 1981. He made the acquaintance with many Japanese and deepened his friendship with them. I pray that his soul would rest in peace. I sincerely hope the Palestinians overcome their sorrow and continue with their struggle for achieving peace and prosperity in the region.