In separate statements issued yesterday, both parties praised the man who fought for his people and was a symbol of courage, persistence and pride.

The PN said Arafat will always be remembered for accepting peaceful co-existence with Israel. The party appealed to the Palestinians to keep their president’s memory alive and always remember the ideals he held so highly.

The MLP said that the late president was the foundation of the Palestinian fight for national freedom. The party expressed its confidence that the Palestinian people will face the future with the dignity instilled in them by Arafat.

President Edward Fenech Adami will be attending Arafat’s funeral in Cairo today.

He will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo.