Ethiopia: Ethiopian Embassy dismisses rumors on president’s health
By GHAZANFAR ALI KHAN | ARAB NEWS
RIYADH: Ethiopian President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, 85, who is currently at the Riyadh Military Hospital for a routine health checkup, is in stable condition, the Ethiopian Embassy said on Saturday.
Mohammed Ali, Ethiopian charge d’affaires in Riyadh, refuted speculations about the frail health of President Girma, saying “there is nothing to worry as far as the president’s health is concerned.”
He said Girma arrived in Riyadh late Thursday along with a handful of aides and was received at King Khaled International Airport by Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah.
Speaking on behalf of the people and government of Ethiopia, Ali thanked the Saudi leadership for hosting the president and for extending support.
When asked about the conditions for which the president is being treated, Ali refused to elaborate. Girma had visited the Kingdom for medical examinations last year.
According to media reports, the Ethiopian leader has previously been admitted to various hospitals for heart-related problems.
Girma, who was elected president in 2001 and re-elected for a second term in 2007, reportedly suffers from a range of other complications, including obesity and high blood pressure.
“The health of the president is a cause of concern for us,” said an Ethiopian executive, on the condition of anonymity. But, it was too early to predict the political implications of the president’s illness, he added.
However, many believe it will not have a serious impact, as the president is a ceremonial figure and he has very little political weight.
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