Ailing Iraq President Talabani can speak

BAGHDAD - The Associated Press

In this Friday, Aug. 17, 2007 file photo, Iraq's President Jalal Talabani talks to reporters in Baghdad, Iraq. A doctor who oversees Talabani's medical care when he is in Iraq, says the president, who is currently in Germany for treatment, is able to speak with and understand those around him more than two months after suffering a stroke. AP Photo/ Hadi Mizban, File

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is able to speak and understand people around him as he recovers from a stroke he suffered in December, a doctor responsible for his medical care said today.

In an interview, Dr. Najmaldin Karim described the improvement in the president’s health as encouraging. Karim is a neurosurgeon who is also governor of the Iraqi province of Kirkuk. He oversees Talabani’s medical care when he is in Iraq, although the president is currently in Germany for treatment.

“He’s improving. He’s talking. He’s conversing. He understands when he’s spoken to. It’s a good development,” Karim said. He is hopeful Talabani will be able to return to Iraq, but acknowledged that any decision rests with the doctors treating him. The 79-year-old Talabani was rushed to a hospital late on Dec. 17 after suffering a stroke.