Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who has been on sick leave this month, was hospitalized with a broken rib on Friday, doctors said. He will remain in the hospital for at least one week.
Ecevit went to the hospital Friday morning after resting at home since May 4 following an intestinal infection. His illness helped caused markets to sink and the U.S. dollar to gain ground against the Turkish lira.
The 76-year-old premier extended his sick leave, saying he was suffering from backaches.
Ecevit on Thursday announced that he would travel to Pakistan and Afghanistan next week. But a spokesman told reporters that the premier’s trip has been postponed, as has a visit by the Syrian premier to Ankara later this month.
“There is nothing serious . . . regarding the premier’s condition,” said Dr. Mehmet Haberal.
