H.E. Brother Nelson Mandela
President of the ANC
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Greetings,
It was with great appreciation I received your congratulatory message on the occasion of the Palestinian Israeli signing of the Declaration of Principles and mutual recognition.
In the name of our Palestinian people, my brothers members of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and in my own name, I would like to express to you and through you to the friendly people of South Africa and the African National Congress our deep thanks and appreciation for your kind gesture.
This agreement has opened a new chapter in the lives of the people of the Middle East in general and the two peoples of Palestine and Israel in particular.
It is a first step in the long process for peace which we have embarked upon in order to put an end to the past which was characterized by tragedy, violence and occupation, and opening a new chapter aimed at peaceful coexistence, cooperation and resorting to a peaceful settlement.
This was reiterated in our speech to the entire world during the Washington ceremony at the White House, hoping that this agreement will finally bring a just and permanent settlement to the Middle East which will be the corner stone to final peace and cooperation in the region in particular and in the world in general.
We have to commence on a process to ensure the implementation of this historic agreement.
This needs great determination and goodwill from both sides, the Israelis and the Palestinians, and needs the international community's support and commitment, politically and economically.
I fully share with you the opinion, my dear brother President, that our Palestinian situation has great similarities to your situation, and as you have courageously embraced the peace initiative with the South African Government, under President De Klerk, we have been able to do the same, and as you have extended your hand to the opposition, we have done the same to the Palestinian opposition, so we can proceed together and continue to achieve our objectives.
I take this opportunity to wish you good health, prosperity and happiness and to the people of South Africa, progress and prosperity.
My best wishes.
YASSER ARAFAT
PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE
CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANISATION
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE FORCES OF THE PALESTINIAN REVOLUTION
Tunis
17 September 1993