Clerides to be out of hospital early next week

PRESIDENT Glafcos Clerides will be remaining in hospital until early next week and not released over the weekend as planned, his doctors announced yesterday.

Clerides underwent surgery for the removal of a polyp in his large intestine on Friday. A biopsy has since shown that the biopsy contained cancerous cells.

Speaking after visiting the President at Nicosia’s Evangelistria Clinic, Health Minister Frixos Savvides said Clerides was in a positive frame of mind and had begun accepting visitors within the framework of his Presidential duties.

One of the physicians treating Clerides, diabetic specialist Joseph Kasios, said yesterday the President’s health was improving.

"The President is progressing as expected," he said.

Kasios said Clerides had begun eating properly, had been walking in his room unaided, and would in all probability be moved back to his pre-surgery suite last night or early today.

Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said after seeing Clerides yesterday that the President would sign certain papers and had been having meetings with ministers and officials.

Clerides’ doctors say he is expected to make a complete recovery within six weeks and will not require any further treatment.

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