Czech ex-President Vaclav Havel hospitalized
2009-01-13

Nations Czech Republic Category Regions Regions Europe People Vaclav Havel Source (AP)

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Former Czech President Vaclav Havel has undergone minor surgery.

Havel's aide Sabina Tancevova says the 72-year-old was hospitalized Monday with an unspecified "inflammatory illness."

She said Tuesday his condition is stable and he will remain in a Prague hospital for a few more days. No more details were immediately given.

Havel has a history of respiratory problems dating back to his years in communist jails. He suffered from chronic bronchitis since a third of his right lung was removed in December 1996 following the discovery of a cancerous tumor.

Havel was a dissident playwright when he led the 1989 revolution that peacefully toppled communism. His last term in office ended in 2003.