Ghana pledges support to resolve the Middle East problem

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - Ghana on Thursday reiterated its support for any genuine efforts to resolve the Middle East problem.

President John Agyekum Kufuor, who made the pledge, said the Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat would forever be remembered for his lifelong dedication to the struggle to advance the cause of the Palestinian people.

He made the pledge in a message of condolence he sent to Palestinians following the death of Arafat.

It was addressed to Mr Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), Mr Rouhi Fattoh, President of the Palestinian Authority and Mr Ahmed Qurae, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine.

The message said: "As we join you in mourning the loss of this great leader and statesman, Ghana reiterates its support for any genuine efforts undertaken in an attempt to resolve the thorny Middle East problem.

"The Government, people of Ghana and I have been deeply saddened by the news of the death of Arafat and wish to extend our sincerest sympathies and condolences to your Excellency, the Palestinian people and the bereaved family."

President Kufuor had earlier in the day signed a Book of Condolence in honour of Arafat at the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Accra. Arafat 75, died at dawn on Thursday, November 11 at the Percy Military Hospital at Clamart, France, where he had been on admission since October 29.