Bolivian Leader Hospitalized With Cancer
President Hugo Banzer has cancer in his lung and liver, the government’s spokesman said Saturday, calling his condition grave but saying Banzer hadn’t yet decided whether to resign as leader of South America’s poorest nation.
The 75-year-old Banzer, who was democratically elected president four years ago and served as dictator from 1971 to 1978, is undergoing treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.
“Doctors have confirmed President Banzer has cancer in his left lung and liver,” Information Minister Manfredo Kempff told journalists in a video linkup that was broadcast live on Bolivia’s national television station.
Kempff, speaking from Washington, said Banzer’s condition is grave and that the president would make the decision on whether to step aside. He said he and other officials have been briefing Banzer on affairs in Bolivia but that the president has said little.
Banzer has been at Walter Reed since June 30. Doctors there have called for him to remain in the hospital at least 30 more days.
Vice President Jorge Quiroga is next in the line of presidential succession, as outlined in the constitution.
Banzer smoked as many as 30 cigarettes a day, according to sources close to the president.
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