RAMALLAH, March 22, 2017 (WAFA) – Palestinian officials Wednesday mourned the passing of Sinn Fein politician and former deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness.

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee members Saeb Erekat and Hanan Ashrawi expressed in two different statements the Palestinian people and leadership’s heartfelt condolences over the departure of McGuinness, who was described as “a symbol of the just cause of the Irish people.”

“Martin symbolized the Irish quest for a just and lasting peace, fulfilling the national rights of the Irish people, and achieving a just and lasting peace,” said Erekat, the PLO’s secretary general.

“Our late comrade Martin always reassured the Palestinian people of the constant support of the Sinn Fein, and his personal commitment for the fulfilment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. His passing will be an irreparable loss to all those who struggle for social justice, peace and freedom from oppression and injustice,” he said.

Ashrawi also described McGuinness as a defender of rights and justice, as well as a man of peace who fought against oppression and injustice.

She said he was a friend of the Palestinian people who spent his life defending Palestinian rights.

Both extended their condolences to McGuinness family, the Sinn Fein and all the Irish people.

M.K.