UPDATE - Former CHP leader transferred to Germany for treatment

UPDATE WITH STATEMENT OF ANKARA UNIVERSITY RECTOR

By Yesim Sert Karaaslan

ANKARA (AA) - The former chairman of main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deniz Baykal was taken to Germany on Tuesday in order to receive physiotherapy treatment.

Baykal, who is a lawmaker from Antalya province, was taken to the hospital on Oct. 16 over a blood clot in a major artery and received treatment at Ibni Sina Hospital in the capital Ankara for 51 days.

He was sent to Germany this morning and will now be transferred to Murnau Trauma Center near Munich to receive physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment, Ankara University Rector Prof. Erkan Ibis told reporters in the capital.

Ibis added: "Mr. Baykal is in good condition right now and was discharged from our hospital.”

He said that at the time of discharge Baykal was conscious, his cognitive functions were in place, and his speech was not slurred.

"His condition was good except for the loss of strength on his left side,” he said, adding that he can stand using support.

“I believe he will return to the country walking,” he said.

According to the rector, before leaving Turkey Baykal had said that he will miss Turkey, and would want to return as soon as possible.