Washington, D.C.—Congressman Steve King issued this statement today in response to Yasser Arafat's recent death at a Paris hospital.  

"Secular Arab terrorism originated under Yasser Arafat," said King.   “The world has watched as Palestinian secular terrorists have been joined by Islamic fundamentalist terrorists to become a threat to the entire world.” 

During his life, Arafat served as the head of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), an organization which used terrorism to advance their agenda.  King stated, “Arafat built a financial empire and political following by fomenting an entire culture based on hatred.”

King expressed his hope for peace in the Middle East.   “It is my hope that a new Palestinian leader will emerge who will bring peace and cooperation to the Middle East.”