Arafat 'deteriorating'

2004-11-04 01:13

Jerusalem - The condition of Yasser Arafat, in a French hospital for treatment of an unidentified ailment, has deteriorated significantly in the past day, said a Palestinian official early on Thursday.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed an Israeli TV report that Arafat was in very serious condition.

He said that, so far, doctors have not determined what is wrong with him, as tests have come back without positive results, but Arafat's condition took a turn for the worse on Wednesday.

Arafat was flown to the French hospital on Friday, two days after his ailment caused him to lose consciousness for a short time at his west Bank headquarters.

MOved to the ICU section

Israel's Channel Two TV reported that the Palestinian leader was moved to an intensive care unit in the French military hospital outside Paris, after his condition worsened.

The television report gave no further details. TV reporter Ehud Yaari said he was quoting Palestinian officials as saying Arafat was "in very serious condition".

In France, an Arafat adviser, Mohammed Dahlan, denied the report. He said Arafat was in "stable condition".

Earlier, the Palestinian envoy to France, Leila Shahid, said Arafat felt well enough to ask about the United States presidential election.

An aide later issued a statement in Arafat's name congratulating George W Bush on his re-election.

Preparing for the 'day after'

Israeli foreign minister Silvan Shalom said Israel was closely monitoring the health of the Palestinian leader and was preparing for the "day after" his death.

"We are tracking his condition very carefully," he told Israel Radio.

"Our goal is to prepare for the day after, if and when he dies."

Israeli intelligence was widely criticised after it was caught off-guard last week when Arafat's health suddenly deteriorated and he was flown to Paris for treatment.

Although no details are known about Arafat's ailment, Shalom said his condition "is very serious".

At the same time, he said, "it is too soon to eulogise Yasser Arafat" and Israel expected the picture to clarify within the next week.

Israel believed Arafat may have cancer, or possibly a serious infection, he said.

"We are preparing for every eventuality," he said.

- AP