Arafat 'will never be buried in Jerusalem' - Sharon

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said yesterday that he would never let Yasser Arafat be buried in Jerusalem, but he will honour his commitment to allow the Palestinian leader to return to the West Bank when he is finished receiving medical treatment in France.

Arafat telephoned his Palestinian colleagues, read telegrams from well-wishing world leaders, ate cereal and sipped tea yesterday – signs that his health may be on the upswing following three days of urgent treatment for an undisclosed illness at a French military hospital.

There was still no explanation for what caused the recent deterioration in his condition, although Palestinian officials say Arafat’s low blood platelet count is not due to leukaemia.

Doctors have not said what might be causing the deficiency, although Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said all types of cancer had been ruled out. However, no doctors or other specialists have publicly confirmed that conclusion.

But 75-year-old Arafat’s condition has improved markedly since he was rushed Friday from his besieged Ramallah headquarters in the West Bank to the hospital south-west of Paris, Palestinians said.

Arafat ate a normal breakfast, Shaath said from Ramallah in the West Bank.

“He’s much better, he’s really much better, and he’s more cheerful,” Shaath said. “He’s less tired and we are awaiting a final assessment by the French doctors about the diagnosis.”

Palestinian officials gave conflicting reports on when results from further tests were expected.

Palestinian Cabinet minister Saeb Erekat said Arafat’s doctors would issue a medical report by early Tuesday. Mohammed Rashid, a close Arafat aide, said results were due Wednesday.

“Arafat does not have leukemia,” said Rashid. “It’s been ruled out. Rule it out.”