PRESIDENT BASESCU UNDERGOES SURGERY FOR HERNIATED

UNCLAS BUCHAREST 000757 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE DEPT FOR EUR/NCE BILL SILKWORTH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL RO SUBJECT: PRESIDENT BASESCU UNDERGOES SURGERY FOR HERNIATED DISC ¶1. (U) Romanian President Traian Basescu underwent surgery for a herniated disc early Tuesday, May 9, at the University of Vienna Allgemeines Krakenhaus Hospital. He had been transported the evening before to the Austrian capital. A press release from the presidential palace reports that doctors are optimistic about Basescu's condition and anticipate that recovery time will be approximately seven days. The release added that at no time during the procedure was he incapacitated. ¶2. (SBU) The first reports of pain for Basescu came the evening of Sunday, May 7, when he was admitted to the Bucharest University Emergency Unit. Presidential Counselor Claudiu Saftoiu told PolChief that Basescu had also felt numbness in his lower body and doctors were concerned about possible paralysis if the president did not undergo surgery quickly. Saftoiu added that Basescu "kept a stiff upper lip," acting as if there was no discomfort, but staff members were clearly aware that he was in pain. His calendar has been cleared of meetings while he recuperates. TAUBMAN