Saudi King Delegates Power

King Fahd, leader of the world’s largest oil-exporting state, temporarily turned control of the Saudi government over to his half-brother on Monday, saying he needed to rest.

The announcement by Fahd, who has a long history of health problems, raised new questions about his health and was certain to cause jitters on the oil markets when trading resumes today after the New Year’s holiday.

Fahd, who is in his 70s, did not say how long he needed to rest or give any other details.

“Because we wish to spend some time resting and recuperating and because of your highness’ good character . . . we entrust you in this decree to take over management of government affairs while we enjoy rest and recuperation,” Fahd’s decree said, referring to Crown Prince Abdullah.

The announcement carried on the official Saudi Press Agency was seen as an attempt to reassure financial markets and other outsiders that Saudi Arabia was not leaderless.

Abdullah, who is also in his 70s, chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting Monday as he has done since Fahd was admitted to a hospital Nov. 30, suffering from what an official statement called a “temporary health emergency.”

A team of U.S. physicians was flown in to treat him, suggesting that his condition was more serious than officially disclosed. U.S. sources in Washington said he suffered a stroke.