Surgery to remove Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's gall bladder is
being called a success by Egypt's official state news agency.
The Egyptian leader underwent surgery at University Hospital in
Heidelberg, Germany Saturday after he transferred power to his prime
minister.
The Reuters news agency is also quoting a hospital spokeswoman who says the surgery went well.
Mr. Mubarak complained of gall bladder pain on Friday while on an
official trip to Germany and tests found it required the surgery.
Egyptian state news agencies say Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif has assumed
presidential powers until Mr. Mubarak returns.
He has been in power since 1981 and has not named a successor, prompting speculation about who might take over.
Mr. Mubarak was in Germany for a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday.
News of President Mubarak's surgery already has generated some show of support for the Egyptian leader.
The Associated Press quotes parliament speaker Fathi Serour as saying
millions of Egyptians are praying for Mr. Mubarak to return home "safe
and sound."
This is not the first time there have been concerns about Mr. Mubarak's
health, but the government has made efforts to prevent any stories or
speculation from spreading.
Egyptian newspaper editor Ibrahim Elissa of the independent Al-Dustour was
sentenced to prison in 2008 for publishing an article saying the
Egyptian president was in poor health. Mr. Mubarak later pardoned
Elissa.
President Mubarak's term in office ends next year. Many political
experts believe he has been preparing his son, Gamal, to take over.
However, Mr. Mubarak said earlier this week that former United Nations
nuclear chief Mohamed ElBaradei is free to pursue Egypt's presidency,
as long as he follows election rules.