Arafat writes to prisoners

Arafat writes to prisoners

President Yasser Arafat sent a letter dated September 27 to the Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli jails, in reply to the many letters he has received.

In his letter, Arafat said, "I have read your letters. I have read them line by line. I have read between the lines. I agree with much of what you have to say, but I disagree with certain interpretations set forth by some of our brethren at the negotiation table ...".

The letter went on to say that human principles are governed by objective circumstances, both regional and international.

Arafat affirmed that the combined efforts of the martyrs and the prisoners have helped the Palestinian people define themselves as a factor to be reckoned with in the political map of the Middle East. He said that the Palestinians have arrived at the path that will bring about the restoration of their legitimate rights.

"We wish to confirm that the issue of the release of our prisoners is a constant on the agenda of the negotiators. We also insist on the release of all, regardless of their acts or political orientation ... In all my talks, I have said time and time again that I will not bargain over my brother, the valiant fighter Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, or any other individual", the letter said.

[Abridged from Jerusalem Times.]

From GLW issue 164