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10/27/2004:

"Close aide: Arafat in critical condition"

Doctors trying to determine whether he should go to a hospital

Wednesday, October 27, 2004 Posted: 6:44 PM EDT
(CNN) -- Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was in critical condition late Wednesday after his health deteriorated through the course of the day, Palestinian officials said.

Doctors were treating him at his Ramallah compound and assessing whether he should be sent to a hospital.

"He is in critical condition, but he's conscious," said Hassan Abu-Libdeh, Cabinet secretary to the Palestinian Authority. "During the last six hours, he has relapsed."

He said a team of Egyptian and Tunisian doctors were examining Arafat and that Jordanian doctors -- including his personal physician -- were en route to further aid in Arafat's treatment.

Arafat's wife, Sufa, was expected to arrive in Ramallah Thursday.

A senior Palestinian official inside the compound said Arafat's condition was "extremely bad."

Palestinian officials said Arafat, 75, was too weak to meet with anybody and that he was unable to walk, having to be carried by aides when he needed to move. They also said he has been unable to keep food down.

Full Article:cnn.com