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A new Palestinian leader wanted

20 November 2004, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Tahsin Hyder Class Seven, Maple Leaf International School, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
20 November 2004, 18:00 PM
Yasser Arafat, 75, a true leader of people, who dreamed about an independent Palestinian state since he was a young man, but was unable to turn his dream into reality. He was not just doing his job as a president but as a Palestinian victim, who was struggling for freedom of his people. But in November 11 we had seen the end of an era - the death of Mr. Arafat, who was also known as Abu Ammar.

Now as Arafat is sleeping in his Ramallah compound, we need to look forward to new Palestinian leadership. And I think Mahmoud Abbas is the man who must be elected as the new President of Palestinian Authority.

Mr. Abbas who has strong views about the rights of Palestinians is not weaker than Yasser Arafat. He is a man who is known and regarded as one of the founder of PLO. And if he become the leader, the eyes of Palestinians and Israelis will be on him, and his dealings. But at first he have to win the hearts and minds of the Palestinians, which will be his strength to success.

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Mr. Abbas who is also known as Abu Mazen is considered an exponent of a peace solution to the Palestinian-Israli conflict. He is also respected by militant groups like Hamas, which is powerful in Gaza.

As a leader he has to negotiate with Israelis and have to take part in discussions with Israeli government, which will bring peace to the region. But it will be the toughest job that he has to finish to secure the future of Palestine.