BEIJING, Oct. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Yasser Arafat has been confirmed to have a large gallstone.

    A Palestinian hospital official said Tuesday that the gallstone is not life-threatening and can be easily treated, China Radio International reported Wednesday.

    Doctors recommended Arafat to undergo minor surgery to remove the stone but he has not yet agreed.

    Arafat broke the dawn-to-dusk Ramadan fast on Tuesday at the urging of his doctors to take his medication at regular intervals.

    The weakened Palestinian leader has not left his Ramallah compound since the end of 2001 for fear of being snatched by Israeli troops.

    Israel, which accuses him of stoking violent attacks against it, has said he was free to leave the compound and even to travel abroad once requested. Palestine denied of having made the request. Enditem

    (CRIENGLISH.com)