Top Palestinian negotiator suffers heart attack

RAMALLAH, West Bank: A senior medical official says a top Palestinian peace negotiator has been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack.

Dr. Ahmed Bitwai, head of Ramallah hospital in the West Bank, says Saeb Erekat had a "sharp" attack early on Tuesday and was taken to the hospital for a heart catheterization.

He says the 57-year-old Erekat will remain in hospital for three days for supervision.

Erekat has been a leading negotiator with Israel in talks over Palestinian independence during the past two decades.

A fluent English speaker, he also is well-known for his frequent media appearances in the West.