Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas appeared on local television on Friday to downplay concerns over his health after undergoing what were described as routine tests in the United States.
In an interview with Palestine TV while in the US, the 82-year-old rejected reports that he had been rushed to hospital during his visit.
"It was a suitable opportunity to be here to conduct some medical tests, and these tests have been conducted and now we left," he said after leaving hospital.
"Thank God all the results are positive and reassuring."
The health of the longtime smoker has long been the subject of speculation, with no clear successor identified.
Mr Abbas was in the US to meet with political allies amid a breakdown of communication with the Trump administration following the president controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
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Read more:
Abbas calls for Middle East peace conference by middle of year
How young Palestinians lost faith in the old men of Fatah
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Mr Abbas's Palestinian Authority, which wants to see the eastern part of Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state, says the US has disqualified itself as a mediator in talks with Israel and has cut political ties with the Trump administration.
Donald Trump is expected to propose a peace plan in the coming months.
Mr Abbas has been in power since winning presidential elections in 2005.
He has remained in the role despite his initial mandate expiring, with splits between the Palestinian factions making fresh elections impossible.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Mica
Director: Ismael Ferroukhi
Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani
3 stars
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
