Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei has refused an Israeli demand for an alternate leadership in the absence of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat who is undergoing medical treatment in Paris.  

The refusal came after the Palestinian National Security Council held a session on Sunday evening.

Arafat's advisor for national security affairs Jebril al Rajoub told reporters that the session mainly focused on the latest political developments and Arafat's health conditions.

He said that there won't be any change in the agenda of the Palestinian National Authority, adding that the PNA's institutions will continue to fulfill their duties.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said that the meeting discussed how to support security apparatuses to implement laws and face crimes and chaos in Palestinian cities.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2004)