Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is now able to talk, his doctor said,Dr Najmaldin Karim adding he was hopeful and would soon be fit to return to Iraq from Germany, where he has been receiving medical treatment for a stroke.

"I am in continuous contact with the German team treating President Talabani," said Dr. Najmaldin Karim.

"He can talk now with the people around him and started to think in a good way. I and the German team are optimistic that he will get much better and can return back to Iraq soon."