Ramallah (West Bank): Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat passed away today in France (Nov 11, 2004) amid conflicting reports and disputes over his burial. He was 75 years old and was said to be suffering from a blood disorder.

The Nobel laureate was a standard bearer of Palestinian nationalism. His dream of an independent State never became a reality. He was bitterly criticised for heralding the peace process by a number of diplomats.

A Palestinian cabinet minister said that the Palestinian Parliament speaker will be sworn as Palestinian Authority president in the place of Arafat.