Iraqi President Jalal Talabani left the country for medic al treatment in Germany after suffering stroke.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani left the country for medic al treatment in Germany after suffering stroke.

Talabani departed "the Medical City hospital in Baghdad, heading to the Federal Republic of Germany, under the care of a specialized medical team," the presidency said on its website.

The ailing leader was hospitalized late on Monday after what state television reported was a stroke, but doctors have said his condition has improved.
He has had a series of health problems in recent years.

Talabani underwent successful heart surgery in the United States in August 2008. The previous year, he was evacuated to neighboring Jordan for treatment for dehydration and exhaustion.
He has also travelled to the United States and to Europe for treatment for a variety of ailments.

Talabani has been a key figure in Iraqi politics for decades, first as a Kurdish rebel and political leader, and as president since 2005.
During the past year, he has repeatedly sought to convene a national conference aimed at reconciling Iraqi leaders.