The permanent Palestinian envoy in France, Leila Shahid, speaks to the reporters at France's Percy military hospital, Oct. 31, 2004. She confirmed on Monday that Arafat does not have leukaemia or any other life-threatening illness. She also denied the rumour that Arafat had been poisoned.(Reuters Photo)

The permanent Palestinian envoy in France, Leila Shahid, confirmed on Monday that Arafat does not have leukaemia or any other life-threatening illness.

She also denied the rumour that Arafat had been poisoned.

Arafat has been in the Paris Percy military hospital for treatment since last Friday.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie says Arafat is still in charge and no action will be taken on the Palestine-Israel issue without his instruction.

Qurie says he is communicating with Arafat everyday and hopes Arafat will come back to Ramallah soon.