Egyptian spokesman says president to speak at end of week, first post operation photos issued

Egypt: Mubarak is well and to speak soon

CAIRO — An Egyptian government spokesman says President Hosni Mubarak is well and alive and will make a statement at the end of this week.

The Information Ministry also issued pictures of him sitting with his doctors at the German hospital.

Aly Eddin Hilal said Tuesday the president’s health is making good progress after receiving surgery to remove his gall bladder and a benign growth in the lining of his small intestine.

He says Mubarak will make the statement on the national state-owned news channel.

Muybarak has been in power for roughly three decades and concern about his health have prompted speculation about the leadership of this U.S. ally.