King Hussein Out Of Hospital

Jordan's King Hussein was discharged Tuesday from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., after undergoing treatment for cancer, his brother Crown Prince Hassan said.

Hussein, 63, will spend a few days recovering at his summer residence in suburban Maryland, then will fly to London for more rest before returning home, the prince said Tuesday.

In a televised speech, Hassan said the king had "fully recovered from his illness."

The king was admitted to the Mayo Clinic on July 13 with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He underwent six rounds of chemotherapy.

The speech by 51-year-old Hassan, who has been acting as regent during his brother's absence, was aimed at calming fears among Jordanians about a king battling cancer for the second time in six years. Hussein has ruled for 46 years, making him the longest reigning Arab ruler.

It was not clear exactly when Hussein would return to Jordan. However, officials say he is expected home by the Muslim holiday in mid-January that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Hassan quoted Hussein as saying he would return to the United States in March for a medical checkup.

Written by John Halaby
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