“For more than four decades Mr. Arafat has been the prime symbol of the Palestinian struggle for a separate state. He was also known as Abu Ammar, ‘father of strife’. His contribution to Palestinian identity and nation-building will remain after his death”, Norway’s Prime Minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, said today.

”We will remember Mr. Arafat in particular for his shift from terrorism and guerrilla warfare against Israel, to peace negotiations. This led him to recognise the state of Israel, an act opening for the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians that in 1993 resulted in the Oslo Agreement”, the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Bondevik drew attention to the fact that Mr. Arafat for his role in this was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994, together with Israeli Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin, who died nine years ago, and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.

”Their wish for a viable peace has regrettably not come true. The best way in which to honour the memory of Mr. Arafat and Mr. Rabin, is to carry through the efforts for a lasting peace. In this the two peoples – Israelis and Palestinians – need the full support of the international community”, Mr. Bondevik said.

”Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Palestinian people and to President Arafat’s family and close friends”, Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik said.