Shevardnadze Confused Over Contradictory Reports on Aliev’s Health

(Tbilisi, August 1, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Today President Shevardnadze was misinformed regarding the death of Azerbaijani President Heidar Aliev. Shevardnadze expressed deep condolence at the death of Aliev, but later President’s Spokesman Kakha Imnadze denied the report and apologized for misleading the society.

“Initially we were misinformed regarding the death of Mr. Aliev, but after rechecking the report we found out that the report is not true,” Kakha Imnadze told the !
reporters.

According to the official Azerbaijani reports 80-year-old Aliev has been in Turkey since 8 July receiving medical treatment at the Gulhane military hospital.

Aliev was also in Turkey for medical treatment in early May after he collapsed during a speech in late April.