ANKARA, Oct 28 (AFP) - Turkey has offered to send doctors and medical equipment to ailing Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat, whose health deteriorated sharply over the weekend, a senior Turkish diplomat said Thursday.
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul called the Turkish consulate in Jerusalem late Wednesday to inquire after the 75-year-old leader`s needs and dispatch help if needed, he said.
"We are ready to do everything in our power -- sending doctors and medical equipment -- if there is such a need," the diplomat added.
The exact nature of Arafat`s illness is not known, but some Palestinian officials said earlier this week that was suffering from a severe bout of flu.
Muslim but secular Turkey enjoys close links with the Palestinians, but is also an ally of Israel.
10/28/2004 13:26 GMT - AFP