This news on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. A top Islamic cleric has arrived in France to be at Arafat’s bedside. There are conflicting reports as to Arafat’s condition and whether he is still alive. Some news agencies yesterday cited Palestinians officials saying that Arafat is already dead but there has been no official confirmation from the Palestinian Authority or his doctors. Earlier today Israeli officials agreed to allow Arafat to be buried in Ramallah, the West Bank city that houses his compound. Meanwhile PLO officials announced today the Palestinian parliament speaker, Rauhi Fattouh, will become temporary president of the Palestinian Authority in the event of Arafat’s death.