Zambias chief government spokesman Mike Mulongoti has refuted international media reports that President Levy Mwanawasa is dead, saying the president is well and alive. Mulongoti, who is also Information Minister, addressed the nation on the state television and radio Thursday, saying that Mwanawasa, currently admitted at the Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France, is alive, contrary to international media reports. He assured the nation that Mwanawasa was in a stable condition, receiving medical treatment for hypertension in the intensive care unit at the hospital, after he suffered a stroke Sunday while in Egypt to attended the just-ended African Union summit. The condition of President Levy Mwanawasa remains stable. Ten minutes ago, communication was made with the people on the bed side of the president who said the presidents condition remained stable and he had a satisfactory night at the hospital. News reports by BBC and Sky News that President Mwanawasa is dead are untrue and malicious. The nation will be informed of any new developments, Mulongoti said.
