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Photo: AFP
Abbas at ceremony
Photo: AFP

Abbas unveils Arafat mausoleum

Palestinians inaugurate huge monument for former leader, President Abbas vows to continue in his predecessor's path, reclaim east Jerusalem

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas unveiled a $1.75 million mausoleum for Yasser Arafat on Saturday, in a pomp-filled ceremony that helped him draw on the continued popularity of his iconic predecessor as he headed into peace talks with Israel.

 

The mausoleum, made of glass and beige Jerusalem stone, is surrounded on three sides by water, and a piece of rail track is entombed underneath Arafat's grave. The water and piece of track are meant to symbolize the temporary nature of the grave, officials said, with Palestinians planning to rebury their leader one day in Jerusalem, their hoped-for capital.


The new mausoleum (Photo: AFP)

 

Arafat died Nov. 11, 2004, in a French military hospital and was buried on the grounds of his West Bank headquarters, now used by Abbas. The mausoleum measures 11 meters by 11 meters (120 square feet) to mark the day of his death. A mosque was built next to the tomb, and an Arafat museum is to open next year.

 

The exact cause of Arafat's death remains unknown, fueling persistent rumors that he was either poisoned or died of AIDS. Palestinian officials in the past have called for a UN investigation his death, alleging that he was poisoned by Israel.

 

Abbas pledges to reclaim east Jerusalem

During the ceremony, Abbas laid a wreath in the colors of the Palestinian flag on the tombstone and honored his one-time rival with a moment of silence.

 

In a brief speech, Abbas pledged to reclaim part of Jerusalem for his people.

 

"We will continue on the path of the martyred President Yasser Arafat to be reburied in Jerusalem, which he loved ... Jerusalem, which he tried to make, and which all our people are trying to make, the capital of the Palestinian state," Abbas said.

 

In another reference to Jerusalem, the tower of the mosque next to the mausoleum is topped by a laser light pointing to the city, just a few miles away, said Mohammed Ishtayeh, head of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction, which built the site.

 

Drawing on the legacy of the charismatic Arafat can give a boost to Abbas as he heads to the Annapolis conference, expected to begin Nov. 26.

 

In Saturday's speech, Abbas drew on the Palestinians' strong emotional ties to Arafat. "We are continuing the path, continuing the pledge, to establish an independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, God willing," said Abbas.

 

On Sunday, the third anniversary of Arafat's death, a large rally is to be held at the West Bank compound, followed by a similar gathering Monday in Gaza.

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.10.07, 19:26
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