20 Mar 02 13:05 East Timor: Gusmao Rival, Amaral Hospitalized, but Stable in Dili

Presidential candidate Xavier do Amaral, Xanana Gusmao´s only challenger in East Timor´s April 14 elections, has been hospitalized in Dili, but should be able to begin campaigning next week, hospital and campaign officials said Wednesday.

Amaral, who was hospitalized Saturday with high blood pressure and signs of pneumonia, would remain in hospital "at least three more days", a physician said.

A campaign official told Lusa the presidential candidate, who is vice-president of the Constituent Assembly, would likely only begin campaigning next week.

Formal campaigning in the presidential race, in which independence leader Gusmao is considered the virtual victor, began at the weekend.

SAS/ASP -Lusa-

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