While declining to give any information on Arafat's health, when pressed on the country's involvement in Arafat's funeral arrangements, a French government spokesman indicated France's readiness to repatriate the body.

"It is the medical authorities, in agreement with Arafat's family, to announce on Yasser Arafat's health," the spokesman tolda news conference. "For the rest, we are preparing all the necessary measures along with the family and the Palestinian Authority."

Palestinian representative in Paris, Leila Shahid, said Wednesday morning that Arafat was still alive but in a "very critical" condition.

Palestinian Islamic cleric Tayssir el-Tamimi announced Monday outside the Percy military hospital that Arafat was still alive and that disconnecting his life support system is out of the question.

However, a Palestinian official source said Arafat's death will be officially announced on Wednesday at Arafat's headquarters at al Muqata'a in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The Palestinian National Authority agreed at a meeting on Wednesday to hold Arafat's funeral in Cairo in case of his death.

A Palestinian senior cabinet official announced Wednesday that a series of meetings had been held since Tuesday night and to discuss repatriation of Arafat's body if he dies.

Minister of state in the cabinet Qadoura Fares said that "if Arafat dies, the body of the president would be brought to Cairo where Arab and international leaders and presidents could greet his body for the last time."

After Cairo, the body will be taken to al Muqata'a where all arrangements for the burial, mourning and condolences would take place, said Fares.