Demoted Soviet Prime Minister Ill but Stable
MOSCOW — Prime Minister Nikolai I. Ryzhkov, who suffered a heart attack two days ago after being stripped of most of his powers, is in serious condition but his health is not deteriorating, Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev told lawmakers today.
“We have called in the very best specialists. They are working around the clock,” he said.
Earlier, Radio Moscow quoted Gorbachev’s spokesman as saying Ryzhkov’s condition had worsened and “gives rise to grave concern.”
But Gorbachev, who personally announced Ryzhkov’s illness Wednesday, described his friend and ally’s condition in more optimistic terms.
“His condition is serious but is not worsening. . . . Everything possible is being done,” he told the Congress of People’s Deputies.
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