RAMALLAH, Oct. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's economic consultant Mohammed Rashed told reporters on Thursday that Arafat's presidential office will issue an official statement to the Palestinian people "within hours."

    The statement will say Arafat is okay and is in very stable condition and will explain the present situations, he said. Meanwhile, a doctor responsible for treating Arafat, said the Palestinian leader was "better than yesterday." Enditem