IS PRESIDENT BEN ALI CLINICALLY DEPRESSED?

S E C R E T TUNIS 002237

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

FOR NEA/MAG (HARRIS)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2016
TAGS: PGOV PINR TN
SUBJECT: IS PRESIDENT BEN ALI CLINICALLY DEPRESSED?

REF: A. TUNIS 0055

B. 05 TUNIS 2265

C. 05 TUNIS 2148

Classified By: CDA David Ballard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (S/NF) The state of President Ben Ali,s health has long
been a topic of conversation in Tunisia, both among diplomats
and in society at large. Reftels reported on President Ben
Ali's reported prostate cancer, for which he has sought
treatment in Germany and Italy, along with the potential
political implications of his illness. Most recently, in a
courtesy call with Pol/EconCouns, Italian PolOff opined that,
in addition to prostate cancer, President Ben Ali suffers
from serious depression.


2. (S/NF) Comment: We are used to hearing speculation about
Ben Ali's health, but this is the first we have heard about
the possibility of a diagnosis of depression. While we
cannot confirm this report, we believe that the Italians,
having hosted at least one medical visit by Ben Ali, are in a
position to speak more credibly than others about his medical
condition. End Comment.
BALLARD