Arafat´s condition deteriorates

cctv.com 11-10-2004 09:19

Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath says Yasser Arafat's vital organs are still functioning but his situation has deteriorated. Mahmoud Abbas, number two of the Palestine Liberation Organization, says Arafat is in a "very difficult" situation.

At a Paris news conference on Tuesday, Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said that 75-year-old Yasser Arafat was alive.

Palestininan Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said, " Arafat's situation has deteriorated, especially last night, but since last Wednesday he has been in a coma and that coma has deepened since last night. Having said that and having recognized the critical situation in which President Arafat is in today, his brain, his heart and his lungs still function and he is alive."

Shaath said doctors have ruled out cancer and poisoning as potential causes of Arafat's lapse into a coma. He added Arafat's long confinement in Ramallah by Israeli forces contributed to his deterioration. He also said the speaker of parliament would take over as interim president in the event of Arafat's death to help arrange elections for president within 60 days.

PLO General Secretary Mohamoud Abbas also confirmed Arafat is in critical condition. Abbas is leading the delegation that includes Nabil Shaath, Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, and Parliament Speaker Rawhi Fattuh. They arrived in Paris late Monday, and on Tuesday afternoon were taken to Arafat's bedside to confirm his condition in person.

The delegation also held talks with Jacques Chirac in the French presidential Elysee Palace. They thanked Chirac for the care that France is giving to Arafat and for France's stand on the Palestinian cause.


Palestinians pray for Arafat´s health

Editor:Hu  Source:CCTV.com