"These rumors do not interest me," Mubarak said. "I continue my work
without paying attention to such rumors whose sources and goals we know."
"The illegitimate movements behind these recent rumors do not want
stability for the people, and have no aim but to detract from the
achievements of Egypt and its people," Mubarak said.
Egyptian government sources said the opposition Muslim Brotherhood was
the source of rumors regarding Mubarak's poor health. Mubarak was said to
have undergone medical treatment for cancer in Paris during August 2007.
At one point, rumors spread that Mubarak had died. The sources said this
prompted the president to visit an industrial zone near Alexandria.
"His health is excellent and he is as active as ever," Mubarak's wife,
Suzanne, said on Sunday. "I'm puzzled as to who would benefit from spreading
these rumors that make the public confused."
On Sept. 1, the president was forced to cancel an appearance scheduled
for the following day in the Sohaj province. Egyptian sources confirmed the
cancellation, but said the development project Mubarak had been scheduled to
dedicate in southern Egypt was not ready.
The Egyptian opposition, the target of a government crackdown, has
asserted that Mubarak's deteriorating health has fueled efforts to groom his
son as successor. Egypt has planned a referendum for April 2008 that would
enable Mubarak's son, Gamal, to become president.
"The Muslim Brotherhood is playing a role in these rumors," an
unidentified Egyptian official told the Al Masri Al Yom daily on Sunday.
"This has been proven during the questioning of certain Brotherhood
leaders."