International > Chirac Hospitalized for Vision Trouble

Chirac Hospitalized for Vascular Incident Affecting His Eyesight, French Prime Minister Says

French President Jacques Chirac gives a speech on French Television Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Chirac has been hospitalized in Paris for a "small vascular incident" affecting his eyesight, the prime minister said Saturday Sept.

Chirac, 72, was taken to Val-de-Grace hospital in Paris Friday evening and was expected to remain there for a week, Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said in the Atlantic coastal resort of La Baule. He did not elaborate.

"Last night, he had a small vascular incident causing slight vision trouble that should fade over the next few days," Villepin said of Chirac.

Villepin said he had discussed with Chirac the government's agenda in the coming days particularly planned French aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the United States. He said he would visit the president upon returning to the capital later Saturday.

2005-09-03