Roundup: Asia-Pacific leaders mourn death of Arafat

Asian and Pacific leaders on Thursday expressed their condolences over the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who died earlier in the day at a French military hospital outside Paris.

Indian President A. P.J. Abdul Kalam said in expressing his condolence over Arafat's death that Palestinian people have not only lost a great patriot but also a great visionary whose ambition was to achieve a homeland for his people.

"President Arafat who was an enduring symbol of Palestine nationhood selflessly devoted his life to Palestinian people," Kalam said in a condolence letter to the Palestinian leadership.

Kalam said Arafat was greatly admired for his courage and sacrifice not only by the Palestinian people but also by peace-loving people in the Arab region and throughout the world.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will leave for Cairo late Thursday to attend the funeral of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra told reporters.

Yasser Arafat "is a symbol of the Palestinians' struggle for independence, justice and rights for self-determination," Indonesian State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra told a press conference.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Arafat would be forever remembered not only by Palestinians but also by people from all parts of the world for his courage and determination against all odds in championing and protecting the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine.

"As Chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Malaysia would like to reiterate its strong support to the Palestinians in their struggle," Abdullah said.

Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed said Arafat shall be long remembered among all his friends and admirers.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia also said under Arafat's leadership, the oppressed and the long struggling people of Palestine succeeded in establishing the legality and global recognition of their right to a Palestine state.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in mourning the passing away of Arafat said, "The Palestinians have lost a great beloved leader. He devoted his life to working for peace for his people."

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Thursday expressed their condolences over the death of Arafat.

Talking to the state-run Pakistan Television, Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan said the two leaders in their separate messages conveyed the Pakistani government and people's sorrow over the death of Arafat.

Masood Khan said Arafat was "a committed person" and had "revolutionary personality," and his commitment will not end.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said in his condolences over the death of Arafat, "Mr. Arafat was a great personality, whose courage and leadership was respected worldwide for well over half a century.

"While his absence will undoubtedly be felt strongly, I hope that a new generation of leaders will emerge to take forward the cause of peace and stability in the Middle East," the Afghan president said in a statement.

Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesman said that Vietnam is deeply moved and grieved by the news of Yasser Arafat's death. "His Excellency Y. Arafat is an excellent leader, a symbol of the Palestinian people struggle and a great friend of the Vietnamese people."

Vietnam believes that the Palestinian people will soon overcome this grief and loss and stand in solidarity to carry on their just cause towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world, he said.

Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said that "Cambodia is deeply grieved over the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

"Arafat was a great fighter who had devoted his whole life to the cause of freedom and independence of Palestinian state and the Palestinian people," Hor said.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi expressed Thursday his condolence to the death Arafat and praised his efforts for the Middle East peace process.

"I sincerely hope the Palestinians overcome their sorrow and continue with their struggle for achieving peace and prosperity in the region," Koizumi said in a statement.

South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan and Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon also sent separate condolence messages to the Palestinian Authority.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement that "The South Korean government hopes the Palestinian people swiftly recover from the shock and the loss of their leader."

"Arafat will be remembered as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate devoted to global peace. We also wish for swift fruition of his efforts to attain peace in the Middle East," it said.

A Singapore Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman said in a statement, "The Singapore Government sends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people."

The spokesman praised Arafat for being a central figure in Middle East politics for 35 years.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff said in an official statement that Arafat was respected by Palestinians as a leader who symbolized their long search for statehood and independence.

Goff said Yasser Arafat retained iconic status among Palestinian people because of his long identification as leader of their struggle for their own state and self-determination.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer described Arafat as "the most significant and influential leader of his people over the many years of their struggle for a Palestinian state."