Special report: Concern mounts over Yasser Arafat's health

    RAMALLAH, Nov. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The Arab League informed the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) that arrangements had been made for the official funeral of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in Cairo before his body was taken to the Palestinian territories, well-informed Palestinian sources said.

    The sources said the PNA confirmed that it had received the offer from the Arab League, adding that the decision for an official funeral in Egypt's capital of Cairo was to enable all Arableaders to have a last look at Arafat before he was buried.

    The sources added that the official funeral would take place at the Cairo airport or at the compound of the Arab league since Arafat represented the Arab nations in the conflict with Israel.

    The decision to hold an official funeral of Arafat in Cairo before burying him in Ramallah was made after many Arab and foreign leaders said they were not able to attend a funeral in Ramallah, which remains in tight control of Israel, according to the sources.     

    The PNA, however, has not yet responded to the Arab League's offer, said the sources, adding that it was quite likely that the PNA would accept it. Enditem