Iraq’s Jalal Talabani Arrives in Germany for Areatment

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has arrived in Germany for further treatment after a reported stroke, Berlin says.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle wished the 79-year-old Mr Talabani “a quick and full recovery”, without providing any further details.

German doctors earlier said Mr Talabani’s condition had improved sufficiently to permit travel.

He has struggled with his health and has often been treated abroad.

Mr Talabani was reportedly rushed to the Baghdad Medical City on Monday evening.

Iraqi officials conceded in private that his condition was serious and state television reported that he had suffered a stroke.

In recent weeks, he has been mediating in the dispute triggered by the government’s attempt to take greater control of security in oil-rich territory around the city of Kirkuk, which is claimed by both Arabs and Kurds.

Kurdish forces have been deployed in the region since 2003.

A deal brokered by Mr Talabani called on both sides to withdraw troops from the contested areas, though no deadline was set.

R.S