Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat arrived in London on Sunday night for talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the bombardment of Afghanistan and the situation in the Middle East.
"This is a very important visit and we hope we will discuss with the Prime Minister the whole situation in the Middle East and the whole situation internationally, especially after what has happened with the terrorist activities," Arafat told reporters on arrival in London.
The Palestinian leader flew into London's Heathrow Airport amid tight security aboard a private executive jet. Armed police patrolled the tarmac around the airport's VIP suite and Arafat's motorcade was given a police guard.
Britain has said it is vital to re-start the Middle East peace process to maintain the world coalition against terrorism.
Blair, who is expected to meet Arafat on Monday, conducted a three-day Middle East tour last week to bolster the alliance against Osama bin Laden, prime suspect accused of masterminding last month's attacks on New York and Washington.
( Xinhua News Agency 10/15/2001)
