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In his brief speech, Arafat emphasized the importance of the peace process for the future of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.

"We are completely committed to the peace process," Arafat said. "And in spite of all the difficulties we are facing, it is a noble target, not for us, not for Israelis, but for our children. A very noble target."

In the same speech, however, Arafat also condemned Israeli plans for a housing project in East Jerusalem, citing it as dangerous and illegal.

Shon Agarwal, a sophomore at Will Rice College, felt that Arafat was difficult to understand because of his poor English. She also felt that the speech itself was insubstantial, although the event was an important one for Rice.

"[Arafat] was really emphatic about everything he said," Agarwal said. "I could tell that he was really excited about it. But I had trouble finding substance in his speech.

"It's really cool that he came and talked to us, though," she said.

"Just the fact that we're getting more high-profile speakers is helping our image nationwide. It's a good experience for students because they get to hear other views," she said.

Chandran Seshagiri, a WRC senior, also felt that Arafat's speech brought nothing new to light.

"[Arafat] didn't say anything new or surprising," Seshagiri said. "His speech wasn't particularly earth-shattering."

Other students, however, found Arafat's words to be significant.

"He was inspirational, and his speech made me want to know more about his cause," Dan Newman, a Sid Richardson College senior, said.

In his conclusion, Arafat again emphasized the importance of human rights in Palestine. He also requested that those present participate in the peace process through education.

"But not to forget, we are in need of your help to participate, to teach us more and more, because we are still brand-new as a state," he said.

Arafat was scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m., but did not actually begin until shortly after 8 p.m. Arafat's Gulfstream jet landed in the wrong airport in Georgia.

The New York Times reported that air traffic controllers were responsible for directing the jet to the Peachtree-Dekalb Airport in Atlanta instead of the Americus Airport, over 150 miles away.

Arafat was scheduled to meet with former President Jimmy Carter in Plains, Georgia, before traveling to Houston.

Arafat was reportedly the only one on the plane who realized that the jet was landing at the wrong airport. He was quoted as having said, "This doesn't look like Plains to me."

This item appeared in the News section of the March 14, 1997 issue.