Could a German resort town become Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's new home in exile?
Could a German resort town become Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's new home in exile?
Media reports are speculating that Germany, because of his previous medical visits to the country, could be Mubarak's next stop.
The rumors were triggered by a recent report, which claimed that secret talks were being held between the US government and Egyptian military officials over a possible German exile for Mubarak.
Egyptian demonstrators hold anti-Mubarak slogans as they gather at Cairo's Tahrir square yesterday on the 15th day of demonstrations against the President Hosni Mubarak
For years, statesmen and politicians from Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and even Yemen have been treated in cities such as Munich, Berlin or the spa town of Baden-Baden.
The list includes Mubarak, who underwent a gall bladder operation at the University Clinic in Heidelberg in March 2010 and had back surgery at a hospital in Munich in 2004.
According to media in Germany, the plans for his exile are so far along that there have already been talks with a private luxury clinic, the Max-Grundig-Klinik nestled at the edge of Black Forest.
However, the spokeswoman at the facility refused to comment on the issue.
Political debate
While European leaders are still grappling with how to deal with Mubarak, it should comes as no surprise that politicians across the German political spectrum have been quick to comment on whetheru00a0 Germany should host the ousted dictator.
Elke Hoff, security policy spokesperson for the liberal Free Democrats, said she would welcome Mubarak, if it helps to stabilise the situation in Egypt. But she added that Mubarak's possible stay should not be considered "political asylum."
Elmar Brok, a European Parliament member for Germany's conservative CDU party, said, "The German government should discretely signal to Mubarak that he can come to Germany if he wants to."
But officially, the German government has remained mum.
u00a0Yet, even Egyptians living in Germany, who have been protesting against Mubarak, say that they would not necessarily oppose the idea of Mubarak finding refuge here.
"If Mubarak does not continue his political activities from afar, and if this helps to bring a peaceful solution for our country, then why not," said Sarawat Ramadan, a leader of Germany's Egyptian community.
But there were few who opposed to the idea.
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