Jacques Chirac to decide on attending U.N. summit after he leaves hospital

French President Jacques Chirac will decide whether to attend the United Nations summit this month after he leaves the hospital where he has spent the past week, his office said Friday.

The presidential Elysee Palace said the 72-year-old chief of state would be leaving Val de Grace military hospital by the end of the week.

Chirac was admitted Sept. 2 suffering from a "small vascular accident" that impaired his vision in one eye, the hospital has said.

Officials have downplayed the seriousness the president's condition, but also have provided few details, leading to speculation about his health and calls for keeping the public better informed on the subject.

Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Friday that, "obviously, nothing stops the president ... to work as before." Douste-Blazy, who will be attending the Sept. 14-16 summit, spoke on Europe-1 radio, reports the AP.