The statement by Mark Bessoudo, about the rights of Arab citizens in Israel, in his letter :{"Rare Arab rights" Feb 4}, is contrary to facts on the ground. It is true that Arab citizens in Israel can elect their own members in the Knesset. However, they are clearly denied rights available to Jewish citizens. Muslim and Christian citzens of Israel are not allowed,by law, to buy, lease or till over 90% of the land in Israel. There are scores of Arab villages in Israel which are designated as "Unrecognised Villages", and are denied all basic infrastructure facilities. A blatant example of discrimination is the recent legislation denying Arab citizens of Israel the right to marry Arabs from the Occupied territories, or Arab countries, and be citizens of Israel.