RAMALLAH, Oct, 31 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath denied on Sunday that Mahmoud Abbas or Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei would replace Arafat during his medical treatment in Paris.

    Shaath's denial came after reports emerged that Abbas would be the acting chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)Executive Committee and Qurei would take the chairmanship of the National Security Council.

    Shaath told reporters that "this news is not right", and there would not be any change on the structure of the PLO or the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

    Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Colin Powell contacted Shaathon Saturday evening to check Arafat's health conditions.

    Powell expressed his admiration for the solidarity of the Palestinian leadership and the Palestinians' attitude and support under this difficult circumstance.

    Reports said that Powell demanded Qurei be granted more political and security powers. Enditem