TURKEY: Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan was taken to hospital yesterday after fainting while keeping the Muslim fast of Ramadan, but doctors said there was no need for concern and he was later discharged.
Mr Erdogan (52), who has dominated Turkish politics since becoming prime minister in 2003, had been suffering from low blood sugar and was over-tired, they said.
"There is no need to worry. His vital functions are normal. His blood sugar level fell owing to his fast and to extreme tiredness," said Tevfik Ali Kucukbas, head doctor at Ankara's Guven hospital.
A senior member of the ruling AK Party, Dengir Mir Mehmet Firat, said Mr Erdogan fell ill while sitting in his limousine. His bodyguard and driver had been forced to smash a window of the vehicle after its doors locked automatically with Mr Erdogan inside and apparently incapacitated.
Mr Erdogan, a former professional soccer player, is physically fit and follows an active fitness regime. - (Reuters)