Doctor: Havel stable, but still in intensive care

Former president Václav Havel’s condition has stabilized, his doctor Martin Holcát said on Friday, though it is unlikely the playwright will be leaving intensive care in the next couple of days. The playwright was hospitalized on Sunday night with breathing difficulties and underwent minor surgery, which was followed by complications. On Wednesday, Mr Havel received a visit from the current Czech president, Václav Klaus, as well as from his brother Ivan Havel. On Friday, Mr Havel also received the current Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek. Mr Havel has long been battling with health problems that are partly due to the five years he spent in communist jails for his dissident activity. The former chain smoker suffers from chronic bronchitis and had part of his right lung removed in 1996 after being diagnosed with cancer.