A regular medical examination which I underwent at the National and University Hospital last week revealed a small tumour of the oesophagus. On Tuesday I was informed that a biopsy had indicated that the tumour was malignant. My physicians have advised me to immediately undergo surgery to remove the tumour but as the operation concerned cannot be carried out here in Iceland, it will be carried out abroad around the end of this month or shortly thereafter.
I am optimistic that I will be able to overcome this illness and physicians say the prognosis is good and that I can expect to maintain full working capacity at least in the coming months. On the other hand, it is impossible to exclude the possibility that the situation could take a more negative direction in the longer term.
In view of the uncertainty which unavoidably results from the nature of the affliction with which I have been diagnosed, I have decided not to seek re-election as leader of the Independence Party at its upcoming national congress. I have already informed my colleagues in the parliamentary caucus and in the party’s central committee of this decision and the reasons behind it.
The knowledge that the Independence Party has a large group of highly capable leaders to choose from makes my decision easier. On behalf of my party, I therefore have no fears for the future.
In addition, I would like to announce that the Independence Party caucus desires that national elections be held on Saturday, 9 May, of this year. I have already discussed the above date with the chairman of our coalition partner party and we will discuss the details over the weekend. I emphasise that the government will continue to work determinedly until the elections to carry out the tasks which are most urgent to rescue households and businesses in Iceland. In co-operation with other parties, I will make every effort to see to it that preparations for the elections and the election campaign do not disrupt the economic recovery programme which we are implementing in co-operation with the International Monetary Fund. Major interests are at stake here, as I have repeatedly emphasised strongly.
In view of the fact that, in all likelihood, elections will be held this spring, the central committee of the Independence Party has decided to postpone its national congress, which will now be held 26-29 March this year. At this national congress, the party will draft its election platform and select a new chairman, who will lead the party in the upcoming elections.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs would like to draw your attention to the Icelandic Government Information Centre that contains information regarding the current financial circumstances in Iceland. The website is accessible at http://www.iceland.org/info. The aim of this website is to give a comprehensive view of the events that unfolded during the financial crisis that hit Iceland in the fall of 2008, and the subsequent actions of the Icelandic government.
On the site you can find information about
-The financial crisis and its impact on Iceland
-Timeline of the events as they unfolded in the autumn
-Answers to frequently asked questions about for instance the current financial circumstances, the Icelandic Government’s program with the IMF, foreign exchange and information in regards to the affected banks.
-News and Press releases from the Icelandic governmen
[…] sein Statement auf IceNews (auf […]
Reading this posts just confirms the low depths of many posting people here.
You clearly are same fellows who condone publishing of policemen addresses and harasrring them and families.
I have no doubt Geir is sick but keeps on with work (like Ingibjörg Sólrún).
Even many opponents — but who are peopel with shred of human decency wish both well — and then get on with political attacks.
Would you act face to face in same way? Think not. Mothers taught you better.
Would not be surpised that said to find posts coming form IP of Steingrímur supporters or party HQ however, as leader makes such good example of civil behavour.
>point of correction , either way my third finger is raised @ him , haarde & oddson !!!!
@Neils…I don’t care!!!…he supports a corrupt, criminal, immoral, crooked, greedy,lying, misleading, misrepresenting government, he is as guilty as them, if he is the son of haarde or the cousin of oddson, is not my concern!!! …either my third finger is raised at him, haarde and oddson!!!…
@ michael hannes
You said: “and how it is not always so _easy_ pleasing everyone…. especially the selfish, secular, cynics”.
thats why he didnt please almos anyone exept few which he helped and illegally allowed to become filthy rich.
Starlington,
You are right but do not be too harsh against Michael Hannes: he might be a son of Haarde, or a cousin of Oddson.
@Micheal Hansen….”Yes, please get well, get some rest, ignore the people that deserve ignoring, and come back and enjoy a life not serving 300,000 people which some people have no concept of at all…. and how it is not always so _easy_ pleasing everyone…. especially the selfish, secular, cynics.”
> people like you that posses Screwed up thought process will always support, corrupt, criminal, immoral, crooked, greedy,lying, misleading, misrepresenting government.
> Haarde should go and get well and get lost from the parliament and politics in general, he should not come back there no more.
> Having such a prognosis is the coolest excuse he has to offer, because he knows that it’s game over!!!!
> Any Icelander supporting this government needs to also go with haarde and get well, and also get lost with him.
> If he wants to be honest with himself he should step the F@@k down tomorrow, and Icelanders will agree it’s because of his prognosis. These clowns are just sit tight rulers.
> This is an Example of knucklehead geezers in power, and they’d rather be there until they drop dead, ain’t that a Bi@tch???
ANY ICELANDER SUPPORTING THIS INCOMPETENCE IS A NATURAL BORN FOOL, I REPEAT…..A NATURAL BORN FOOL!!!!!
This is just a smoke courtain, they are putting the price of the euro dow, saying this guy is sick and PROBABLY (lets make it clear PROBABLY) elections in May. they are just selling some lies to calm down the people, and the woest is that people are buying.
… captain Haarde is abandoning the sinkin boat!
Ex USA president Reagan pulled the same trick when his approval ratings were down. The logic is, it is hard to kick a person when they are down. I do NOT believe Mr. Haarde is ill.
Yes, please get well, get some rest, ignore the people that deserve ignoring, and come back and enjoy a life not serving 300,000 people which some people have no concept of at all…. and how it is not always so _easy_ pleasing everyone…. especially the selfish, secular, cynics.
I think that he doesn´t belived in the hospital here. Maybe abroad is much cheaper o is for free because he is european, so other people pay tax for him. Bastardo!!!
Please GO get well and NEVER come back!!!!