Iraqi President 'improving' in hospital following stroke

Tests show stability and improvement in Talabani's health condition Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is responding to hospital treatment and "improving hour after hour," a spokesman said. A statement from his office on Tuesday said that "bodily functions are normal and his health condition is stable." Reports added that the emergency was due to hardening of his arteries. According to Iraq's constitution, the Vice President takes over if the post of President becomes vacant, and a new president must be elected by parliament within 30 days.
On Tuesday, the director of the Iraqi President’s office, Nassir al-Aani denied reports of President Jalal Talabani’s death being circulated by some media outlets.
Al-Aani told the state-run satellite channel al-Iraqia that the reports were not true, instead saying that the Iraqi President was “in stable condition in an intensive unit at the Madinet al-Teb Hospital.”
Al-Aani said the President will remain under medical supervision in the intensive care unit “so we are more at ease regarding his health.”
Commenting on the possibility of the President being transported abroad for treatment, the presidential official said the matter will be decided by Talabani’s doctors.
Conflicting reports over Talabani’s condition have caused some local and Arab news outlets to report the President’s death.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was hospitalised in Baghdad due to a "health emergency," on Tuesday.
"Due to fatigue and tiredness, Talabani had a health emergency and was transported to the hospital in Baghdad" on Monday night, the presidency's website said, without providing further details about his condition.
Iraqiya state television reported that Talabani had suffered a stroke and said a medical team was working to stabilise his condition.
Talabani has struggled with various health problems in recent years.
He underwent successful heart surgery in the United States in August 2008, and a year earlier had to be evacuated to neighbouring Jordan to be treated for dehydration and exhaustion.
He has also travelled to to the United States and Europe for treatment for a variety of ailments.