NDC consoles Palestinians on death of Arafat

Accra, Nov. 12, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sent its condolences to the people of the State of Palestine and to the Palestine Liberation Organisation on the death of President Yasser Arafat, saying Ghana had lost a great friend.

It said, in a statement on Friday signed by Dr Nii Josiah-Aryeh, General Secretary, that the death of Mr Arafat, who it described as "an indefatigable leader and freedom fighter", had robbed the world of one of its few dedicated leaders, who were always ready "to stand firm through thick and thin to fight for the advancement of the cause of a people".

The NDC recalled the "heroic contributions" of Mr Arafat to the struggle of Palestinians for the attainment of a homeland they could call their own.

"Even when the odds stood starkly against him and his people, he always found the courage and strength to rally his people to stand up to the test.

"From the Israeli War of Independence through the Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War as well as the Intifada, Arafat's spirit was unwavering. He remained a beacon of hope in the darkest hour of the Palestinian people."

The NDC said so vibrant was Mr Arafat's contribution to the just struggles of his people for political and socio-economic emancipation that his name had earned household significance throughout the world and many youths around the globe had either adopted his name or established organisations whose principles for human development had been modelled after him.

"Ghana has indeed lost a great friend and a role model for many of our citizens.

"We believe that the Palestinian people will not let the steam of Yasser Arafat's leadership die with him, but will raise up a new sense of direction and purpose to carry on the struggle till victory finally comes to the Palestinian people and thus allow peace to eventually find its home in the fatherland."