Question : VISIT OF YASSER ARAFAT



(a) whether President Yasser Arafat visited India on August 22, 2001 to keep it informed of the developments in West Asia; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JASWANT SINGH)


(a) & (b) President Yasser Arafat visited India on 23 August, 2001. He briefed the Prime Minister on developments in the Middle East Peace Process and requested India to use its influence for an early resumption of the peace process.