Egypt offered a crispy taste of Arafat

The snack is meant to appeal to children

An Egyptian food manufacturer has launched a line of crisps packaged with Yasser Arafat's image, saying it will raise funds for the Palestinians and support their quest for statehood.

Abu Ammar corn chips come in a bag emblazoned with a picture of Mr Arafat in his trademark military uniform and black-and-white chequered headscarf.

It's a message to the children so that they become familiar with the Palestinian cause

Snack manufacturer

Along with Mr Arafat's nom de guerre Abu Ammar, the packet says in Arabic "batal al-nidal" (Hero of the Resistance) and includes - somewhat bizarrely - the snack being trampled under the Palestinian leader's feet.

"Hand in hand, we are building our future," the package reads.

"The more you buy, the more you build."

The Palestinian leader is portrayed saluting with his right hand and brandishing a green-red-white-and-black Palestinian flag in his left.

Revolutionary flavours

The snacks are produced by a private Egyptian firm, al-Jawhara, and were launched on the market several days ago.

Anyone for a Cheese Arafat?

They come in three flavours, cheese, tomato and paprika.

"It's a message to the children so that they become familiar with the Palestinian cause and the right of Palestinians to live in peace on their land," a company executive, Ali Ghoneim, told the AFP news agency.

Mr Ghoneim said the proceeds from one in every 25 packets sold would go to the Palestinians, although he did not specify which organisation would receive the money.

Abu Ammar chips are being sold in Egypt for 25 piasters (about five US cents)

People in Egypt closely follow events in the Palestinian territories, just as they do throughout the Arab and Muslim worlds.

Abu Ammar chips are among a number of economic and artistic initiatives launched in Egypt to support the Palestinian intifada which began in September 2000.