Yasser Arafat: France 'opens murder inquiry'

Yasser Arafat led the Palestine Liberation Organisation for 35 years

French prosecutors have opened a murder inquiry into the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, sources have told the French news agency AFP.

His family launched a case last month over claims that he was poisoned with polonium-210, a radioactive element.

Polonium was apparently found on some of Arafat's belongings by Swiss scientists.
The medical records of Arafat, who died near Paris in 2004, say he had a stroke resulting from a blood disorder.

However, many Palestinians continue to believe Arafat was poisoned by Israel because he was an obstacle to peace. Israel has denied any involvement.

Others allege that he had Aids.