Václav Havel’s condition improved, but remains serious

Former Czech President Václav Havel’s condition has improved, though it remains serious, his doctors said on Thursday. Mr Havel received a visit from the current Czech President Václav Klaus on Thursday afternoon, as well as from his brother Ivan. The playwright was hospitalized on Sunday night with breathing difficulties and underwent minor surgery. His condition subsequently deteriorated. On Thursday morning, however, doctors said that Mr Havel’s state was ‘slightly better’ and that he had sat up and watched the morning news. 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.