The Palestinian prime minister, Ahmed Qureia, calledSharon late Wednesday, after Arafat's health deterioratedsharply. It was the first conversation between the two menin several months. Qureia asked Sharon for permission, in principle, to letArafat seek medical treatment abroad, said Asaf Shariv, aSharon aide.--SPA1147 Local Time 0847 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/213892