UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said on Tuesday that he has great faith that the Almighty God would help the Palestinian people achieve their goals and just demands regarding the establishment of their own independent state, according to Emirates News Agency.
The President made these comments during a meeting with Suha Arafat, wife of the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the President's wife and Chairwoman of the UAE Women Union also attended the meeting.
For her part, Suha Arafat briefed Sheikh Zayed on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories as well as the suffering of the Palestinian people as a result of the continued repressive actions and aggression exercised by Israel. She also spoke about the harsh conditions in which the Palestinian women live in.
Sheikh Zayed claimed that, "the Palestinian people have no other way but to stick to their historical right and to continue their steadfastness until they realize their goals." He also urged all Arabs to extend their support to the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority under the leadership of President Yasser Arafat. "Arab solidarity and unity are the only way that can enable us all to achieve a just solution and will return the right to those who suffer injustice," he added.
Sheikh Zayed added that peace should be based on justice, fairness and negotiations and should honor the rights of the oppressed. He stated that the international community, led by the United States should exercise its maximum effort to end the Israeli actions against the Palestinian people. Sheikh Zayed asked Suha to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to President Arafat.
In return, Suha Arafat said, "I am delighted and proud of my meeting with His Highness President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the symbol and sage of the Arabs, who generously shares his wisdom and his vision in shaping up the genuine Arab and Islamic civilization and unifying Arab ranks,"
The Palestinian First Lady also expressed her appreciation to Sheikha Fatima for the warm welcome and hospitality she received during her visit to the UAE. She also thanked Sheikha Fatima for her sincere efforts in helping the Palestinian women overcome their suffering under the tyranny of the Israeli occupation.
Sheikha Fatima had hosted a lunch in honor of Suha Arafat, attended by a number of Sheikhas and women officials. Suha visited the UAE, where she participated in celebrations for the Arab Women's Day and the Arab Women Media Forum which were held under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima from February 1st to 3rd. (Albawaba.com)
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