Commemorative ceremony for Palestine’s leader [Archives:2004/795/Community]

A great ceremony was organized Monday Nov. 29 jointly by Kana'an for Palestine Society (KPS) and the Palestinian Embassy at the Faculty of Commerce and Economics, Sana'a University on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi, Palestinian Ambassador Khaled Al-Sheikh, and Gen. Yahya Mohammed Abullah Saleh, Director of KPS, diplomats, representatives of NGOs, members of the Palestinian community in Yemen and a huge crowd of students .
The ceremony was devoted to commemorate late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, the symbol of the Palestinian people's cause.
In his speech on the occasion, Vice-President eulogized the martyred president.
“Struggler Yasser Araft represented the cause of the Palestinian people on the Arab and international level, and when he died the whole world bid farewell to him,” said he.
He added: “The world now has begun to sense the pains of the Palestinian people. We must seize the opportunity in 2005 to make it the year for declaring the Palestinian State.”
He recommended Yemeni universities to open branches for KPS to expand its circle of activities.
Vice-President also reiterated the support of the Yemeni people and leadership for the Palestinians until they get their lawful rights.
Khaled Al-Sheikh, Palestinian Ambassador to Yemen, indicated Yemen's role in advocating the Palestinian cause. “Yemen has shouldered the cares of Palestinians,” said he.
In his speech at the commemoration ceremony, Director of the KSP called on the Arab leaders to yoke sayings with deeds, and provide real back-up for the Palestinians. He also praised the dead leader saying: “Thousands of words will never be sufficient to numerate your achievements and characteristics.”
A host of Yemeni and Palestinian children performed at the commencement of the ceremony the anthems of the two countries. The ceremony was vibrating with enthusiastic chants.
On the other hand, Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan sent a message on the occasion condoling the Palestinian people who are “mourning the loss of their leaders.”
“Let us hope that this memory will be an inspiration to the Palestinian people at this difficult time, so that they may remain united and strengthened in their efforts to realize their national aspirations for statehood and self-determination through peaceful means.”
Mr. Annan added in his message that he would continue to work with all parties for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine, based on Security Council resolutions, and on the principle of land for peace.
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