Unity key to achieving Palestinian goals

President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan yesterday said that he has great faith that the Almighty God would help Palestinians to achieve their aspirations and just demands in establishing their own independent state.

Sheikh Zayed made these remarks during a meeting with Suha Arafat, wife of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President's wife and chairperson of the UAE Women's Federation, was present.

Suha briefed Sheikh Zayed on the conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and sufferings of Palestinians as a result of the continued aggression by Israel and the harsh conditions in which Palestinian women live.

Sheikh Zayed said: "the Palestinians have no option but to stick to their historical right and to continue their steadfastness until they realise their goals."

He called upon all Arabs to extend support to the Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority under Arafat's leadership.

"Arab solidarity and unity can enable us to achieve a just solution and will return the right to those who are suffering injustice," Sheikh Zayed said.

He said that peace should be based on justice, fairness and negotiations and should observe the rights of the oppressed.

He said that the international community, led by the U.S., should exert maximum pressure to put an end to the Israeli practices against the Palestinians.

Sheikh Zayed asked Suha to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to Arafat. Suha Arafat expressed her delight and pride at her meeting with Sheikh Zayed whom she described as the "sage and symbol of the Arabs."

"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 civilisation and unifying Arab ranks," she said.

Suha also expressed her gratitude and appreciation for Sheikha Fatima for the warm welcome and hospitality she received during her stay in the UAE.

She also thanked Sheikha Fatima for her honest efforts to help the Palestinian women to overcome their suffering and plight under the tyranny of the Israeli occupation.

Sheikha Fatima hosted a lunch in honour of Suha.