Asian nations praise Arafat 2 Jakarta Chinese President Hu Jintao described Arafat as "an outstanding leader of the Palestinian cause and ... an outstanding politician." Arafat "devoted his whole life to the just cause of resuming the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people," Hu said in a statement. "He was deeply respected and supported by the Palestinian people and enjoyed great prestige among the international community." Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi called Arafat "a pioneer who had laid out the foundation for the establishment of a Palestinian state." "I sincerely hope the Palestinians overcome their sorrow and continue with their effort toward achieving peace and prosperity in the region," Koizumi said in a statement. --MORE 1259 Local Time 0959 GMT
