Mwanawasa's health deteriorates
2008-08-18 21:31
Lusaka - Zambian President Levy
Mwanawasa's health suddenly deteriorated on Sunday night and he
required medical intervention, his vice president said in a
statement on Monday.
"Doctor Mwanawasa had been making steady progress until last
night when his condition suddenly changed and required
intervention," said Vice-President Rupiah Banda.
He did not say
what sort of treatment Mwanawasa had received.
Mwanawasa had a second stroke during an African Union
summit in Egypt in June and was flown to France where he has
remained in hospital.
The Zambian health minister said earlier
this month he was in a "stable but heavily sedated" condition.
Speculation that Mwanawasa, 59, may be unable to return to
work has prompted demands that doctors examine him and decide
whether he is fit to remain president.
If Parliament decides he is incapacitated, Mwanawasa could
be forced to step down.
Banda would take over as acting
president and elections would be called.
- Reuters