Havel flies to Portugal to continue recuperation

President Havel has flown to his summer house in Portugal, where he will continue to recuperate from a recent worsening of his chronic bronchitis. Breathing difficulties forced Mr Havel to cut short a visit to France, and he was released after a week in hospital on Tuesday. The 65-year-old president, who is a former chain smoker, has been hospitalised 16 times since taking office. Mr Havel's term as president ends next February.

Author: Ian Willoughby