URGENT!! PAPANDREOU RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@philippos.mpa.gr>

ANDREAS PAPANDREOU GOES HOME, SAYS "THANKS WITH LOVE TO ALL"

Athens March 21, 1996 (MPA)

Upon his exit from the Onasion Cardiosurgery Center, Mr. Papandreou offered his "thanks with love" to all those who stood by his side during his lengthy hospitalization.

PASOK officials, ministers, deputies and a crowd of people gathered around the Onasion in order to salute the popular political leader who fought a strenuous battle for his life.

Mr. Papandreou's personal physician and former Health Minister Dimitris Kremastinos characterized as "exemplary" the medical treatment provided to Mr. Papandreou by the attendant physicians, noting the "enormous difficulties they faced and which are not usual for the medical practice."

Responding to a reporter's question regarding Mr. Papandreou's hospital stay, Mr. Kremastinos stated that "it is preferable that some things are covered by silence instead of being discussed" and added that "it is for the good of all of us to forget these days."

Referring to his patient's health condition, Mr. Kremastinos emphasized that he is constantly improving and is currently at the stage of recovery. However, he added that as the effort to restore his health is not an easy one, many details must be granted attention to."

Currently, Mr. Papandreou's condition is considered to be satisfactory and he is an outpatient, although he will continue to undergo dialysis every two days at his Ekali home.