Palestinian President Leaves Gaza for Rome

Published May 25th, 2000 - 03:00 GMT

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat left Gaza Wednesday for Rome, on the first leg of a tour that will also take him to Spain, his adviser Nabil Abu Rudeina said.

He will discuss the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the role Europe could play to push them forward with Italian leaders, Abu Rudeina said.

During his one-day stay in Rome Thursday he will have talks with President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Prime Minister Giuliano Amato and Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini.

Arafat will move on to Spain Friday where he will meet officials including Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar – GAZA CITY (AFP)