São Paulo - Vice president, José Alencar, is reported to be in stable condition and recovering well after the removal of his gall bladder at the Hospital Sírio-Libanês in São Paulo. The hospital says he should be released either today or tomorrow and must remain in São Paulo until Saturday when the stitches will be removed.

Although doctors recommended rest and no visitors, besides family members, Alencar has been visited by various politicians, among them the president of the PT, Jose Genoino, and the governor of São Paulo, Geraldo Alckmin. (AB)