Arafat flies out of Jordan for France

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2004

AMMAN (AFP) — Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was flown out of Jordan to Paris aboard a French plane for medical treatment in France, an AFP correspondent reported.

Arafat earlier left his West Bank headquarters on a Jordanian military helicopter.

The 75-year-old had to be carried on to the helicopter, accompanied by his wife Suha and a team of medics and advisors, amid a crush of chanting supporters.

Wearing a Russian-style furry hat in place of his trademark black and white keffiyeh headdress and a military overcoat, Arafat was bundled on to the helicopter by his security guards.

It is the first time that Arafat has left the Palestinian territories for nearly three years. He has been effectively kept under house arrest at his Ramallah compound...