Atambaev Says He Suffered Heart Attack, Thanks Compatriots For Support

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev (file photo)

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek Atambaev thanked all Kyrgyz citizens for their support after suffering what he called "an unexpected heart attack."

Atambaev said in his statement that was made public on October 3 that he was grateful to all Kyrgyz citizens for their support and prayers, which he said "helped me to overcome the illness."

Atambaev returned to Bishkek on October 1 after being discharged from a Moscow hospital where he was treated for heart problems, officials said.

The president complained of "chest pains" after departing Kyrgyzstan on September 19 and spent several days in a Turkish hospital, before being taken to Moscow on September 23.

On October 3, Atambaev resumed his work and held talks with his administration chief, Farid Niyazov, and the head of the Defense Council, Temir Jumakadyrov.