RUSSIA: SPECULATION GROWS OVER BORIS YELTSIN'S HEALTH

(2 Jul 1996) Eng/Russian/Nat

Boris Yeltsin's low profile in the run up to Wednesday's presidential election in Russia has sparked speculation about his ability to stay in power for a full term should he win.

Renewed speculation surfaced when he cancelled public engagements and aides said he needed a rest just days before the election.

The Central Clinical hospital was home to Boris Yeltsin for several months last year as the Russian leader recovered from a series of illnesses.

His health problems, almost forgotten after four hectic months of campaigning has now shot back to centre stage in Russian politics.

Renewed speculation surfaced when he cancelled public engagements and aides said he needed a rest days before Wednesday's presidential elections.

Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin played down fears that it could be a resurgence of heart trouble that dogged him last year.

Chernomyrdin said that Yeltsin was suffering from a cold and aides have insisted the president lost his voice after too many interviews.

Others, however, are worried about his fitness to last a second term should he win.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
To some extent yes, this is an issue because it raises the questions whether President Yeltsin would be physically capable of staying in power for the whole of next term.
SUPER CAPTION: Viktor Kremenyuk, Deputy Director USA/Canada Institute

Despite a history of heart trouble, Boris Yeltsin managed to keep up a busy campaign schedule before first round voting on June 16.

He jetted around the country, waded through crowds, visited mines and factories and even danced at rock concerts.

This came after he spent two long periods of 1995 in hospital after suffering what were thought to be two heart attacks.

His vigorous campaign took everyone by surprise.

But over the last week he has looked tired and has cancelled several planned trips.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
Ischemic heart disease is the final stage of the problem. We are trying to help people first of all on the early stages when they have hypertension or hypercholesterol, trying to treat these conditions, to prevent Ischemic heart disease. But if Ischemic heart disease is already there we usually use what would be used in many countries, the so-called ABC of cardiologists - A for aspirin, B for betablockers and C for cholesterol lowering drugs.
SUPER CAPTION: Professor Alexei Yurenev, President Moscow Association of Cardiology

Boris Yeltsin's rival for the presidency, Gennady Zyuganov, has taken advantage of Yeltsin's poor health.

Last week he treated the press to a photo opportunity playing volleyball to show of his own physical prowess.

He has also attacked the president saying he is unfit to run the country.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
We don't think that anybody should be offended. Drivers can't work if they are ill and drunk, but it seems that it is quite okay to run the country in that condition.
SUPER CAPTION: Gennady Zyuganov, Presidential Candidate

Zyuganov also invited journalists last week to view him getting down at a disco.

However, all the polls now indicate that Yeltsin will still overtake Zyuganov on Wednesday.

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