M A I N   N E W S

Jaswant meets Arafat

RAMALLAH (West Bank), June 30 (PTI) — External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh today met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat here on the first day of his four-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Describing his hour-long meeting with Mr Arafat as memorable and historic, he told reporters that India's role in the Middle East peace process was best focussed by new Delhi’s consistent stance in regard to inalienable rights of the people of Palestine and for them to have an internationally recognised territories.

Palestinian Minister for International Cooperation Nabeel Shaath, addressing the joint press conference, said that Indian support to Palestinian cause played an important role in the peace process that would guarantee an independent Palestinian state.

“The strength of support of India for our rights has been the cornerstone of our policy of seeking peaceful solution that will guarantee the acquisition of these rights and establishment of independent Palestinian state,” he said.

Stating that India and Palestine could expand areas of cooperation and infrastructure, he suggested that a team of Finance Ministry officials could visit Palestine to assess the credit requirements.

Mr Jaswant Singh arrived in Jerusalem earlier in the day on an official visit, second trip by a top Indian leader to the Jewish state within a fortnight to give fresh impetus to bilateral ties.

His visit, which comes close on the heels of Home Minister L.K. Advani’s trip here two weeks ago, would give an overall focus in which bilateral relations are to proceed further, official sources said.

Mr Jaswant Singh’s visit, the first by an Indian External Affairs Minister after India and Israel established diplomatic ties in 1992, represents yet another step which would further strengthen bilateral ties,” an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

During his visit to Israel, he is scheduled to have wide-ranging discussions with President Ezer Weizman, Prime Minister Ehud Barak and his counterpart David Levi on regional, international and issues of mutual concern.

Tomorrow, he would proceed to Gaza to inaugurate the Nehru library and the Gandhi students’ activities Centre. His itinerary includes a visit to the Gaza cemetery where 32 Indian peacekeepers were buried decades ago.