Nasser's passing away commemorated

"The stances of late President Gamal Abdul Nasser inspire the nation to close ranks and further national solidarity to surmount the current uphill stage," said Palestinian President Arafat.

In a message sent to the Egyptian Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Committee on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Nasser's passing away, and read on his behalf by Zakariya Agha, member of the PLO Executive Committee, Arafat said the July 23rd. Revolution has been a turning point in the history of Egypt and the whole Arab nation.

"The Revolution was a trail-blazer for other liberation movements and ushered in a new era in the region and the world to eradicate colonialism," said Arafat.

Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Maguid said although three decades have passed since the death of Nasser, his achievements and contributions are still alive and sparking controversy.

"There is a unanimous belief that Nasser was a great President and a charismatic leader," said Abdul Maguid in his speech read on his behalf by his advisor Talaat Hammad.