The ailing Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak is reported to have “temporarily” handed over power to the country’s Prime Minister, while he undergoes medical treatment overseas.

The country’s embassy sources confirmed Saturday, but did not indicate the country where the 81-year-old Mubarak is being treated.

“But, it is likely to be in Germany where he gave a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Thursday”, another source intimated.

The source also said that a team of doctors will begin the surgery on his gall bladder early on Saturday morning.

This is the second time the Egyptian leader has delegated power to his Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, having done so in 2004 on medical reasons.

The Prime Minister will oversee the affairs of the state until the return of Mubarak who has ruled the North African country since October 1981.

Source African Press Agency

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