November 11, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat:

"I offer on behalf of Canada, my condolences and sympathy to the family of Chairman Arafat, as well as all Palestinians.

Chairman Arafat personified the Palestinian people’s struggle to see their right to self-determination realized.

Chairman Arafat's influence on regional and global events has been undeniable. While comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians was never attained in his lifetime, Chairman Arafat's efforts, along with those of Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, were recognized in 1994 with the Nobel Peace Prize.

Canada calls on Palestinians, and all peoples of the Middle East, to reflect on the tremendous cost of conflict, and, building on the legacy of their leaders and the guidance of their governments, to renew their commitment to peace."