IT'S NOT every day you get to hold hands with one of the most infamous leaders of the world.

But when Hampshire MEP Roy Perry met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, grasping hands and lots of kisses were the order of the day.

Although Mr Perry was slightly bemused by the touchy-feely meeting, his visit as part of a European Parliament delegation to Palestine had a serious purpose.

At his Ramallah compound, Arafat pleaded with the EU representatives for observers to be sent to Palestine so the outside world could see the deprivations being inflicted upon his people in their homeland.

The headquarters of the Palestine Liber-ation Organisation were largely destroyed two months ago in an Israeli attack, and Arafat is reduced to using a small section of the compound.

He revealed he was in talks with the militant Hamas movement in a bid to stop

violence on Israeli civilians, which he unreservedly condemned.

After his visit, which included a tour of Hebron - a historic Palestinian city where ancient buildings are being destroyed - Mr Perry said: "When we met Arafat we condemned the acts of terrorism leading to loss of life. The suicide bombings are totally inexcusable and it is important to encourage moderate opinion on both sides of the divide.

"The current Israeli policy is clearly counterproductive and not giving Israel the security it wants, and by inflicting despair upon the Palestinians it is encouraging the fanatics."

Conservative Mr Perry, 59, who lives in West Wellow, near Romsey, described his meeting with Arafat as "surreal".

He said: "I expected to shake hands but was taken aback to be kissed on both cheeks. After our meeting he insisted on accompanying us downstairs, holding my hand the entire way.

"It was a shade disconcerting, however, to be pushed ahead of him at the door, into the glare of the television lights. I did just

wonder whether he was expecting a more hostile reception than was waiting."

He added: "I know to some people he is no more than a terrorist, but history is littered with individuals like him who go on to be great leaders - Kenyatta and Mandela were once reviled and are now regarded as

having been the architects of peace.

"Arafat now represents the moderate section of Palestinian opinion and he is their elected leader. I hope the EU can continue to use its influence for a peaceful solution to this tragic situation."