Palestinian President Yassar Arafat (C), Pakistani Foreign Minister
Abdul Sattar (R) and an unknown Palestinian diplomat link hands at an
airbase in Islamabad August 23, 2001 before Arafat's departure. Arafat
left Pakistan for China on the final stage of a tour across Asia
seeking support for Palestinians in their struggle with Israel. Arafat
said on Thursday he is ready to meet Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon
Peres to discuss ways to end 11 months of conflict.

AH/DL