Also in 1974 , the PLO was declared the " sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people " and admitted to full membership of the Arab League at the Rabat Summit . Arafat became the first representative of a non-governmental organization to address a plenary session of the UN General Assembly . In his United Nations address , Arafat condemned Zionism , but said , " Today I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom fighter 's gun . Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand . " He wore a holster throughout his speech , although it did not contain a gun . His speech increased international sympathy for the Palestinian cause
Rabat Summit
1974 Arab League summit
Yasser Arafat