King Hussein of Jordan arrives in Amman early this morning after leaving the US following an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant. His private physician, Lieut Gen Dr Samir Farrage, made it clear the king did not have long to live.
"His majesty's condition has become critical due to the failure of the functions of the internal organs. Based on that, and based on his majesty's wish, a decision has been taken to return to Amman. May God protect his majesty and grant him health and long life."
King Hussein (63) was diagnosed with a form of cancer last year and has had more than six months of intensive chemotherapy in the US. The chemotherapy has failed, as have the two bone marrow transplants which followed each course of radiation.
Last week, the king passed control of Jordan to his son, Crown Prince Abdullah, before returning to the US for treatment.
According to a senior Jordanian official last night who asked not to be identified, the king was not in a coma. "He's awake and is in full command of his senses."
The private jet taking King Hussein home stopped to refuel at Shannon. It had been escorted from US airspace by US air force jets.