Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, 74, remained hospitalized in Amman, Jordan on Wednesday for further medical tests, though his spokesman confirmed he was in good condition. He had been transported to Jordan on Sunday after experiencing exhaustion and dehydration.
Spokesman Kameran Kara Daghi addressed reports of a cardiac catheterization and a blood virus at a press conference at King Hussein Medical Centre, calling both claims false. He said Talabani's heart, blood pressure, and overall health were normal, and that doctors simply wanted to complete thorough testing before releasing him.
Kara Daghi noted that the president had been following news from Iraq, receiving phone calls, and keeping his spirits up. Talabani also reportedly asked about an Amman football match between Iraq and India, wishing the Iraqi squad well. Iraq won that Olympic qualifying match 3-0.
Talabani took office in April 2005 following Iraq's first post-invasion election, after a US-led military campaign ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003. He is considered the first non-Arab to lead a modern independent state with an Arab majority.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in February 2007, in its own words.