Washington, 18 November 1996 (RFE/RL) - Croatia's president Franjo Tudjman is reportedly seriously ill with cancer and has been admitted to a hospital in Washington for treatment.
The U.S. State Department confirmed Friday that Croatian president Franjo Tudjman is in a hospital near Washington for treatment.
State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said that Tudjman was admitted to Walter Reed hospital, a U.S. army medical facility that often treats United States and foreign dignitaries.
Burns declined to comment on Tudjman's condition, saying it is a matter for the Croatian government.
The Reuter news agency, quoting unnamed U.S. officials, says Tudjman is suffering from cancer and is expected to remain in Washington for two weeks and then return home.
Tudjman's office in Zagreb issued a statement signed by two doctors saying the Croatian leader is being treated in Washington for a gastric ulcer and inflamed lymph nodes. The Croatian statement says Tudjman is feeling well, carrying out his duties and will return home this week.