Brazil’s President Lula recovering in hospital after hip replacement surgery

By DIANE JEANTET
Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A doctor says that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is recovering in a hospital following successful hip replacement surgery. The operation is likely to put a temporary halt to Lula’s frequent international trips but otherwise not disrupt his activities. Dr Roberto Kalil says the surgery took between two and three hours at Hospital Sirio-Libanes in the capital, and that it was a success.  The president’s office says he should  back to the presidential palace early next week. In spite of his age, Lula has had a busy first few months in office. He was sworn in on Jan. 1, and has since traveled to 21 countries