AP
French President Jacques Chirac, right, with his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak at the Elysee Palace

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak has warned of chaos in the Middle East if what he calls any "misfortune" should happen to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Mr. Mubarak made the comment after a luncheon meeting in Paris Saturday with French President Jacques Chirac.

The Egyptian leader said he was not defending Mr. Arafat as an individual but was speaking for "the cause of peace and stability in the region." He said if anything untoward should happen to Mr. Arafat, all countries in the region, including those that support Israel, would be plunged into chaos.

Mr. Mubarak described as a serious matter the virtual confinement of Mr. Arafat, who has been restricted by the Israeli army to his headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah since December 3. Israel has said the confinement will continue until some wanted Palestinian terrorists are handed over to Israel.

Mr. Mubarak said he is in constant contact with all parties to try to resolve the deadly Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and DPA.

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