LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Egypt’s Mubarak in fine health

The reports concerning the deterioration of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s health, which serve as the basis of the article “Egyptian leader’s health on radar of U.S.” (Page 1, Monday) are categorically false.

Mr. Mubarak is in good health and was given a clean bill of health by his doctors following his recent gallbladder surgery in Germany. He continues to maintain a full working schedule. During the past two weeks, Mr. Mubarak traveled to Algeria to offer condolences to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the passing of his brother, met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris and attended the graduation ceremonies of several of Egypt’s military colleges. He also held in-depth discussions during his meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Special Envoy George J. Mitchell.

This week, the president received the president of Somalia and the president of Turkey, and he will be addressing the nation in a speech on the occasion of Egypt's national day. This is hardly the schedule of an ailing head of state.

The interest in Mr. Mubarak’s health by the media is understandable given Egypt’s geopolitical weight and Mr. Mubarak’s role as a force for stability in the Middle East. However, the media reports published on Mr. Mubarak’s health are based on nothing more than rumor and speculation and have no factual basis. During his hospital stay in Germany, Mr. Mubarak’s medical team was diligent about providing daily updates on the president’s condition.

Hopefully, future reporting on this delicate issue will be handled with greater care and rely on facts rather than mere speculation.

KARIM HAGGAG

Director

Egyptian Press and Information Office

Washington

© Copyright 2012 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.