(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121220-talabani-maliki-2a.photoblog600.jpg)Iraqi Presidential Office / EPAIraqi President Jalal Talabani (left), seen with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Dec. 17, has often mediated between Iraq's various factions.By ReutersBAGHDAD - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has left a Baghdad hospital and is being transferred to Germany for treatment after suffering a stroke earlier this week, his office said Thursday.
Follow @NBCNewsWorld (https://twitter.com/NBCNewsWorld) The 79-year-old Kurdish statesman was admitted to hospital on Monday night.
He has often mediated among Iraqi Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, and in a growing dispute over oil between Baghdad and the country's autonomous Kurdistan region.
"Treatment has allowed suitable conditions for his excellency to be transferred outside the country," the statement said, adding that Talabani's health had improved.
It was uncertain whether he would be able to return to his post, and his potential exit from politics is raising concerns about what could be a messy succession battle.
NBCNews
Wish him quick recovery.Too sad that happened.