Report: Arafat prepares for asylum in Cairo
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Thursday, April 12, 2001
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.
Thursday, April 12, 2001
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