Date:13/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/11/13/stories/2004111303990400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Palestine leader's death condoled

HYDERABAD, NOV. 12. The Governor, Sushil Kumar Shinde, on Friday expressed grief at the passing away of Yasser Arafat, President of the Palestinian National Authority.

He represented the hopes and aspirations of Palestinians and his death left a void that cannot be filled, he said. Meanwhile, the State Government has announced three-day mourning in tune with the decision taken by the Centre. The national flag would be flown at half-mast and there would be no official entertainment, according to a press release.

The Chairman of the Indo-Arab League, Syed Vicaruddin, expressed sorrow and grief at the passing away of Arafat. In a statement here, Mr. Vicaruddin said in his death, Palestine had been orphaned while India had lost a true friend.