Hospital Says Yushchenko Not Poisoned

29 September 2004 -- The hospital in the Austrian capital Vienna that treated Viktor Yushchenko has issued a statement saying the Ukrainian opposition presidential candidate was not poisoned.
The Rudolfinerhaus hospital did not give details about what it believes to be the cause of Yushchenko's symptoms. It did say "an alleged poisoning is absolutely unfounded in medical terms." The hospital said it will hold a press conference later today to discuss the case.

Earlier this month, Yushchenko flew to Vienna for treatment after becoming ill with what aides first said may have been food poisoning but later said was chemical poisoning. Yushchenko has accused Ukrainian authorities of poisoning him to remove him from the Ukrainian presidential election whose first round takes place on 31 October. Yushchenko is expected to advance to a run-off against Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich.

(Reuters)

For the latest news on the presidential election in Ukraine, see RFE/RL's webpage on Ukraine.