Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, pictured on January 14, 2013 in Algiers. By Farouk Batiche (AFP/File)
ALGIERS (AFP) - Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika suffered a mini-stroke and was taken to Paris for examination, but is not experiencing any lasting effects, the APS news agency reported.Bouteflika, 76, had a "transient ischemia", a temporary blockage of blood flow often called a "mini-stroke", Rachid Bougherbal, the director of the National Sports Medicine Centre, told APS."An initial investigation has already been opened and his excellency the president of the republic must observe a period of rest to undergo exams," Bougherbal said.He insisted there was no cause for "any anxiety" over the president's health.Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal also urged calm in comments reported by APS."Several hours ago the president felt a little faint and was hospitalised, but his situation is not at all serious," said Sellal, who did not interrupt a visit to the northern city of Bejaia.APS said Bouteflika had been taken to the French capital for "further tests under the recommendation of his doctor", citing a medical source who said his condition was stable but that he would need several days of rest.Elected president in 1999 and re-elected in 2004 and 2009, Bouteflika had a previous health scare in 2005, when he underwent surgery in Paris for a bleeding ulcer.
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