Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has sent a thank-you letter to Israel's right-wing leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef dismissing reports about the deterioration of his health, Israeli media reported Tuesday. "I convey my appreciation and thank you dearly for the content, wishes and heartfelt emotions contained in your letter,” Mubarak told the Shas spiritual leader in his letter, according to Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot. “Wishing to put your mind at ease: I am fully recovered and in the best condition--contrary to several reports in the Israeli press," the 82-year-old president added. According to Mubarak's letter, he had received a “get well” note from Yosef during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Cairo, following reports of Mubarak's deteriorating health. Israeli and US media recently reported that Western intelligence agencies believe Mubarak is suffering from pancreatic and stomach cancer, and has about one year left to live. Last week, presidential spokesman Suleiman Awad dismissed reports Mubarak was ill and said his staff were "out of breath" trying to keep up with his schedule. State-run media reported yesterday that Mubarak is expected to meet the Saudi monarch in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Wednesday. In March the president, who has been in power since 1981, underwent a gallbladder operation in Germany.
