September 29, 2003	Monday	Sha’aban 2, 1424

SARAJEVO, Sept 28: Bosnia’s ailing wartime leader Alija Izetbegovic, in a critical condition for the past eight days, gave a brief telephone interview on local television on Saturday for the first time since he was hospitalized more than two weeks ago.

“I feel better than reports on my health say,” Izetbegovic, sounding in good spirits, told the Sarajevo-based Hayat television channel.

However, Izetbegovic immediately added that his “condition is grave.”

Izetbegovic’s doctor, Ismet Gavrankapetanovic, said in a statement earlier today that the condition of the 78-year-old ex-leader remained critical.

During the five-minute interview, Izetbegovic addressed current social and political issues in the country.—AFP