Report: Arafat prepares for asylum in Cairo

LONDON — Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat is said to have prepared an asylum in Egypt.

The move is meant to ensure that Arafat can flee Gaza in any Israeli invasion.

The Riyad-based Al Watan daily said Arafat has prepared a residence in Cairo amid fears that he will be assassinated in Gaza. The daily said Arafat aides have already transferred documents and other PA assets to Egypt.

Diplomatic sources said Arafat has been warned by Arab leaders of an Israeli assassination attempt. They said Arafat has taken precautions amid the warnings.

These include the use of a Jordanian helicopter for Arafat to travel abroad. The sources said Arafat fears that his helicopter will be downed by Israel.

Israeli officials have maintained that Arafat is not a target of assassination. About 20 Palestinians believed involved in the mini-war against Israel have been killed by Israeli military forces over the last six months.