Israeli President Peres collapses

Tel Aviv, 12 Sept-(ANA)-Israeli President Shimon Peres has collapsed during a ceremony in Tel Aviv and briefly lost consciousness.

Haaretz newspaper said the 86-year-old collapsed at the lectern during a conference and was treated by medics at the scene.

He first refused to go to hospital but was later taken, a spokeswoman said.

Mr Peres was appointed president in 2007 for a seven-year term, having held numerous cabinet posts including that of prime minister since the 1970s.

He is expected to be kept in hospital overnight for observation, Dr Ari Shamis at Tel Hashomer hospital told Channel 10 TV, according to Associated Press.

His personal doctor Rafi Valdan told the Ynet news website: "He feels well and the incident is over," adding that he expected him to return to work on Sunday.

In June Mr Peres was tested for swine flu after receiving a group of young people from abroad who were later found to be infected.

Despite shaking the hands and hugging about 120 of the young people, Mr Peres was cleared of any infection.

Mr Peres was born in Poland in 1923. (ANA)

FA/ANA/12 September 2009---