IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Turkish prime minister admitted to hospital

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was admitted to a hospital Tuesday after experiencing a sudden drop in his blood sugar level, and was in stable condition, officials said.
/ Source: The Associated Press

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was admitted to a hospital Tuesday after experiencing a sudden drop in his blood sugar level, and was in stable condition, officials said.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Erdogan's sudden illness was caused by a combination of intense work and fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

"There is no cause for alarm. He is suffering from tiredness brought on by his heavy work program and fasting. Everything is under control," Gul said.

Erdogan was seen by a cardiologist and was in stable condition, CNN-Turk said.

News reports had said the prime minister was taken to the hospital after he had difficulty pushing open a car door. Erdogan's spokesman, Akif Beki, however, said the prime minister had trouble exiting because of a problem with the door's locking system.

His body guards broke the car's windows to let him out, CNN-Turk said.

Erdogan was on his way to a meeting in parliament when he fell ill. The meeting was canceled, and ministers and legislators flocked to Ankara's Guven hospital where the prime minister was being treated.