RAMALLAH, Oct 29: Ailing Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's powers have been temporarily passed to two veteran associates - both have served under him as prime minister - until he recovers or dies, officials said on Friday.

But they emphasized that Arafat, 75, remained president and no major policymaking was likely while he was ill and undergoing treatment in France. Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei will run the day-to-day affairs of the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian governing body in areas of the West Bank and Gaza in which limited self-rule was established under interim peace deals with Israel a decade ago.

Former prime minister Mahmoud Abbas will run the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), where he is Arafat's number two. The PLO is responsible for negotiations with Israel and represents Palestinians both at home and in exile.

"Of course things will be consulted with him but I think he will resume his responsibilities once he gets back," Palestinian cabinet minister Saeb Erekat told Reuters.

Arafat, symbol of the Palestinian struggle for statehood, was flown via Jordan to France on Friday from his West Bank headquarters for treatment for what doctors think may be leukaemia, a blood cancer that can be fatal.

His illness and departure from the compound where he has been pinned for over 2-1/2 years have raised fears of a power vacuum that could result in a struggle for sway. -Reuters