Palestinian chief Yasser Arafat, 75
Posted: Thursday, November 11th, 2004 4:09 am
PARIS, France (CNN) — Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, 75, the leader who passionately sought a homeland for his people but was seen by many Israelis as a ruthless terrorist and a roadblock to peace, died early Thursday in Paris.
“The last two days were very painful, very difficult days,” said chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat, who confirmed Arafat’s death Thursday morning. “And now, after these painful days of President Arafat, he is dead.”
The speaker of the Palestinian parliament, Rawhi Fattuh, will be sworn in as Palestinian Authority president on an interim basis at noon (5 a.m. ET), according to Palestinian officials.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Sha’ath said Fattuh’s first order of duty will be to “declare free and open public elections within 60 days.” …
Arafat had been sick with an unknown illness that had been variously described as the flu, a stomach virus or gallstones.
He flew to Paris October 29 seeking medical treatment and was hospitalized with what Palestinian officials said was a blood disorder.
He had been on a respirator since slipping into a coma November 3. … Read full story
