Shiite leader in stable condition-SIIC

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The head of the Shiite Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, Abdulaziz al-Hakim, is currently in a stable condition in hospital, the SIIC said in a statement on Monday. “Hakim is in a stable condition in hospital following a deterioration in his health,” read the statement that was received by Iraqi News. Hakim has been heading the SIIC since the assassination of his brother, Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim, in a deadly car bomb attack in the holy Shiite province of Najaf in August 2003. On May 16, 2007 Hakim flew to Houston for medical treatment. He reportedly has lung cancer. On May 20, 2007 Hakim left the U.S. for Iran in order to receive chemotherapy treatment. SS (P) 1