Somalia: President Says His Health is Fine

Somalia's interim president, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, told a local radio station that his health is fine in response to widespread reports of his deteriorating health.

"My health condition is fine," President Yusuf told Radio Galkayo, a Puntland-based independent FM station. "I rushed out [of London] before because of the new Cabinet and when it was finished, I returned for a scheduled medical appointment."

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He dismissed rumors of his deteriorating health, saying: "Don't listen to the stuff they say and when you need to know something, contact me."

The Somali president was asked a question whether or not he met with Dahir Riyale Kahin, the leader of the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland, in the country's northwest, during a shared plane ride to London.

While acknowledging the shared plane ride, President Yusuf dismissed reports that he spoke directly with Mr. Riyale. He said the problem between the separatist region of Somaliland and the semiautonomous state of Puntland, in the country's northeast, and "not so easy" as to discuss it during a flight.

Yusuf said he will be resting in London for roughly three weeks.

The Somali leader said it is "too early" to discuss his candidacy for the presidency in 2009. Presidential elections are scheduled to be held across the country next year when the interim government's mandate expires.

"I think I am a man who fixed many things and I am fully confident [in myself]," said President Yusuf in response to question that he might not be elected because many Somalis believe he destroyed the country.

Yusuf's former Prime Minister, Prof. Ali Mohamed Gedi, announced last week that he will run for Somali president next year, making him the first candidate to present himself for the position.

Source: Garowe