Suharto condition 'has improved'

Mr Suharto has been in and out of hospital in recent years

Former Indonesian leader Suharto is showing some signs of improvement after being rushed to hospital with symptoms of anaemia and low blood pressure.

The condition of Suharto, 86, had deteriorated on Saturday but hospital officials in Jakarta said he had responded to dialysis treatment.

Although his blood pressure has stabilised he remains in a critical condition.

Suharto took power in 1966 and ruled with an iron fist for 32 years.

'Smiling'

Suharto was taken to hospital in the capital on Friday.

Djoko Sanjoto, acting director of Pertamina Hospital, said: "Suharto's condition is now showing some progress. The heart and lungs have shown some improvements, excess liquid in the whole body has started to decrease, especially in the lungs."

RISE AND FALL OF SUHARTO Born in Java, June 1921 Comes to power in 1965 after alleged Communist coup attempt Formally replaces Sukarno as president in March 1967 Modernisation programmes in the 70s and 80s raise living standards East Timor invaded in late 1975 Asian economic crisis of the 1990s hits Indonesian economy Spiralling prices and discontent force him to resign in May 1998 Judges rule he is unfit to stand trial for corruption in 2000 Transparency International says he tops the world all-time corruption table in March 2004 Life in pictures

But chief presidential physician Brig Gen Mardjo Subiandono said although Suharto was "smiling again", he was "still in critical condition because his blood pressure could drop at any time".

One of the former leader's visitors was current President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who said on Saturday: "We should pray for the best and hope all efforts to restore his health will be successful."

Some 40 medical specialists are said to have been assembled to assist with Suharto's care.

His six children and officials from his era in power were also reportedly among the stream of high-profile visitors to his bedside.

Suharto has lived quietly in Jakarta since being overthrown in 1998 amid political upheaval and an economic crisis.

But although accused of embezzling huge sums from state funds during his three decades in power, his lawyers have always successfully pleaded that his failing health meant he should not stand trial.

Suharto has been in and out of hospital in recent years with a series of health problems, including a stroke.