Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit was admitted to a hospital Saturday with severe stomach and back pains, but doctors said they found nothing serious wrong with him and that he could return to work shortly.
Doctors said they were treating the 77-year-old leader for an intestinal infection and that he would be released from Baskent Hospital on Sunday.
"All examinations were done. We could not find anything. He has only been given a prescription for an intestine infection," said his doctor, Turgut Zileli.
Ecevit, who in recent years has been looking increasingly frail, is a centrist regarded as crucial for holding together the ruling coalition of competing parties in this overwhelmingly Muslim country. He is seen as strongly pro-Western.
According to AP, Zileli had told reporters earlier in the day that Ecevit would remain in the hospital for several days while tests are conducted, but he later said the prime minister could return to work on Monday after his Sunday release.
"There is no need for rest," Zileli said.
Rahsan Ecevit, the premier's wife, also said that the veteran Turkish politician was in good condition.
"Everything is fine, he feels better now," she told reporters as she left the hospital. "They could not find anything, but they will keep him here tonight."
Aides at first said Ecevit was suffering from the flu, but Zileli said the prime minister, who has an ulcer, was suffering from stomach and back pains. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
