UNITED NATIONS: A triumphant Yasser Arafat today [Nov 13] presented his case be­fore the … UN General Assembly, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian State in which Muslims, Christians and Jews will live in justice, equality and fraternity. … The lea­der of the Palestine Liberation Organisation … was given a standing ovation as he strode into the … General Assembly hall which was packed to capacity. “I appeal to you to enable our people to establish national independent sovereignty over our land. …” The Pakistan delegation was present in full strength. … Israel boycotted the proceedings. …

“I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom fighter’s gun,” the PLO Chief said. “Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand.” A sustained applause broke out at the end of his speech. He acknowledged the greetings with a gesture of his clasped hands. … Earlier, when Mr Arafat arrived at New York’s Kennedy airport unprecedented security measures were taken and even newsmen were not allowed nearer as a precaution. … As Mr Arafat headed for New York, Mr Russel Kelner … of the militant US Jewish Defence League … was arrested for threatening to kill Mr Arafat. — News agencies

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024