Baghdad Denies Iraqi President Suffered a Stroke

Published January 3rd, 2001 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Iraq's Information Ministry denied Wednesday reports that President Saddam Hussein had suffered a "severe stroke," reported AFP. 

"These press reports are stupid and do not even merit a response," a spokesman told reporters in Baghdad. 

The announcement came after the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, an opposition group based in Damascus, issued a statement on Monday saying Saddam had suffered a "severe stroke" the day before, according to the agency. 

According to press reports, the Iraqi leader was rushed to hospital Tuesday suffering from stroke symptoms after officiating at a grandiose New Years parade in Baghdad. 

The Jerusalem Post newspaper quoted a report published in September in the London based Asharq al-Awsat newspaper as saying that Saddam was suffering from very poor health and several physical ailments -- (Several Sources)  

© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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