Reformist Mazen likely to succeed Arafat

Reformist former Palestinian Authority prime minister Abu Mazen will temporarily take over chairman Yasser Arafat's authority, Palestinian sources said.

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Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, who replaced Abu Mazen last year, has agreed to support Mazen, they said.

The two men are said to have agreed that if necessary the Palestinian Legislative Council will meet in an emergency session in which all of Arafat's authority will be passed to Mazen.

Israeli officials believe that Arafat is terminally ill and the issue of his return might never arise.

Mazen was appointed prime minister by Arafat about a year ago under intense international pressure, but the two
constantly differed on reforms, nature of power sharing and on contacts with Israel, leading to the former's resignation.