Translation

Palestinian National Authority
Office of the President

Brother Vincent Malham
President of Bethlehem University
Bethlehem

Peace be with you,

With a great sense of appreciation, I received your sincere message of condolences on the loss of a person so important to Palestine and the entire nation- the great leader and symbol, President Yasser Arafat, who remained solid in his defense of peace, justice and our people’s aspirations in freedom and independence.

Your words of condolences meant a great deal to us when we were mourning such a tremendous loss of someone who dedicated his life for Palestine, its land, people, and sacred sites.

We appreciate your great sense of solidarity, and we pray that God will protect and bless you.

Thank you once again, and may God grant you health, happiness, and success.

Ramallah
25 November 2004

(signed)
Rawhi Fattouh
President of the Palestinian Authority.