PRESIDENT ARAFAT WRITES TO PRESIDENT DE MARCO

Yasser Arafat, the President of the Palestine National Authority, wrote a personal letter to President Guido de Marco on the occasion of Freedom Day.

In his letter, President Arafat expressed his great appreciation for the friendly relations and strong cooperation binding the Maltese and Palestinian people. He stated his wish that these relations be enhanced in the interests and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.

The Palestinian Leader wrote of the circumstances in the Middle East that he defined as dangerous and which, in his opinion, may carry with them dramatic outcomes. He also referred to the tense and hostile situation facing the Palestinian people, militarily besieged and economically suffocated. "We are cautious and concerned to save and protect the Peace Process by putting it back on the right track", said Yasser Arafat.

In his letter, President Arafat requested also the urgent implementation of all the relevant resolutions adopted by the international community to establish the "Just and Comprehensive Peace" in the Middle East.

In a telephone conversation this afternoon, President de Marco discussed with President Arafat the situation in the Middle East and those steps necessary to rekindle the Peace Process started in Oslo, with a view to reaching a lasting peace and stability in the region.