Swiss scientists have confirmed that tests show the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat had high levels of radioactive polonium in his body.
However, they could not say whether polonium poisoning had caused his death in 2004.
Their report concluded that Arafat’s remains showed levels of polonium 18 times higher than normal.
Arafat’s widow, Suha, has reaffirmed to the BBC her belief that their report proves he was assassinated.
But she said she could not directly accuse anyone, saying that he had many enemies around the world.
Many Palestinians have long believed that Israel poisoned Arafat. There have also been allegations that he had Aids or cancer. Israel has consistently denied any involvement.
‘Documented for history’
The scientists – from the Vaudois University Hospital Centre (CHUV) in Lausanne, Switzerland – had carried out a detailed examination of Arafat’s medical records, samples taken from his remains and items he had taken into the hospital in Paris where he died in 2004.
The biological materials included pieces of Mr Arafat’s bones and soil samples from around his corpse.
Professor Francois Bochud told a news conference on Thursday that the high level of polonium detected “by definition… indicates third party involvement… Our results offer moderate backing for the theory of poisoning.”
BBC has the full article
