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Saudi king heads to US for medical tests
Source: Xinhua |
November 23, 2010, Tuesday
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Online Edition
SAUDI Arabia's 86-year-old king flew to the US for medical treatment and left control of the world's top oil producer and key American ally in the hands of an 85-year-old half brother who has suffered his own serious health problems.
Before King Abdullah on Monday headed for the United States, Saudi officials had been making a strong push to reassure the public and its international allies that there is nothing to worry about.
In a news conference shown on state TV, Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah said the king suffered a slipped disc. He said a blood clot was pressing on nerves in his back, causing him pain and so he was heading abroad for treatment.
"But I assure everyone that the king is in stable condition and enjoys good health and God willing will return in good health to lead this great nation," al-Rabeeah said.
In a country where personal issues within the royal family are often kept under strict wraps, authorities have sought to show they are being transparent about Abdullah's condition, aiming to dispel any speculation.
Pictures in newspapers over recent days have shown the king being pushed in a wheelchair - though still looking fairly hardy. On Monday, state media showed photos of Abdullah bidding farewell to officials at the airport. He was shown seated in a plush chair on the tarmac, an IV catheter sticking out of the back of his hand, as he kissed the cheeks of his second deputy prime minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz.
It was not immediately known where Abdullah would be receiving treatment in the United States. A statement from the palace said only that he would be undergoing "medical tests."
In Washington, the US State Department said it helped facilitate clearances for the king to come to the US for treatment.
Before King Abdullah on Monday headed for the United States, Saudi officials had been making a strong push to reassure the public and its international allies that there is nothing to worry about.
In a news conference shown on state TV, Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah said the king suffered a slipped disc. He said a blood clot was pressing on nerves in his back, causing him pain and so he was heading abroad for treatment.
"But I assure everyone that the king is in stable condition and enjoys good health and God willing will return in good health to lead this great nation," al-Rabeeah said.
In a country where personal issues within the royal family are often kept under strict wraps, authorities have sought to show they are being transparent about Abdullah's condition, aiming to dispel any speculation.
Pictures in newspapers over recent days have shown the king being pushed in a wheelchair - though still looking fairly hardy. On Monday, state media showed photos of Abdullah bidding farewell to officials at the airport. He was shown seated in a plush chair on the tarmac, an IV catheter sticking out of the back of his hand, as he kissed the cheeks of his second deputy prime minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz.
It was not immediately known where Abdullah would be receiving treatment in the United States. A statement from the palace said only that he would be undergoing "medical tests."
In Washington, the US State Department said it helped facilitate clearances for the king to come to the US for treatment.
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