PA Leader Abbas in hospital for routine tests
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's spokesman said Saturday the 82-year-old leader has been hospitalized for a routine checkup and will be discharged in a matter of hours.
Abbas has suffered heart problems in the past, but his doctors have said he is fine. A year ago, Abbas underwent an emergency heart procedure after suffering exhaustion and chest pains. He went through a number of tests, including a cardiac catheterization, a procedure that can detect and treat heart problems, but was given a clean bill of health. Last month, Abbas dispelled rumors he had suffered a stroke.
Any health scare for Abbas heightens concerns over the uncertain leadership situation in the Palestinian territories, which are divided between two rival governments and where there is no succession plan for the aging leader. Abbas, who has no plans to step down, has ignored calls to appoint a successor, setting the stage for a bitter power struggle if he is incapacitated.
