Saeb Erekat suffers heart attack

Palestinian chief negotiator in stable condition in Ramallah hospital

Saeb Erekat, in Ramallah, file photo (photo credit: Issam Rimawi/Flash90)

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — A senior medical official says a top Palestinian peace negotiator has been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack.

Dr. Ahmed Bitwai, head of Ramallah hospital in the West Bank, says Saeb Erekat had a “sharp” attack early on Tuesday and was taken to the hospital for a heart catheterization.

He says the 57-year-old Erekat will remain in hospital for three days for supervision.

Erekat has been a leading negotiator with Israel in talks over Palestinian independence during the past two decades.

A fluent English speaker, he also is well-known for his frequent media appearances in the West.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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