Arafat seeks India's support

JERUSALEM, DEC. 5. The Palestinian leader, Mr. Yasser Arafat, has appreciated India's consistent political support to his people and urged New Delhi to use its `influence' on Israelis and in international fora to support the cause of Palestinians amid spiralling violence.

Following his meeting with the Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry, Mr. K.V. Rajan, in Gaza last evening, the Palestinian leader appreciated the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee's ``gesture in sending a senior government representative for discussions at a critical and sensitive juncture''.

``I express my deep gratitude for consistent and important support India has always extended to Palestinian people'', Mr. Arafat told reporters after his 45-minute meeting with Mr. Rajan, the first senior Indian official to hold discussions with the Palestinian leader after the latest wave of violence erupted in September. Seeking India's active participation in influencing opinion in the U.N. and other multilateral fora, Mr. Arafat sent a message to Mr. Vajpayee on New Delhi's important role in contributing to the peace in the area.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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