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Concern grows for hospitalized Helmut Kohl

LUDWIGSHAFEN , Germany, April 22 (UPI) -- Concern is growing about the condition of former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who has been hospitalized in intensive care, officials said Tuesday.

Kohl, 78, Germany's chancellor from 1982-1998, has had health problems after falling at his Ludwigshafen home two months ago, when he sustained a severe head injury, Der Spiegel reported. He has been hospitalized for several weeks.

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Chancellor Angela Merkel's office said she was receiving regular updates on Kohl's health.

People close to the former chancellor said he cannot speak clearly and his circulation is affected because of prolonged confinement to bed, Der Spiegel said.

Kohl's office confirmed last week that he plans to marry his partner, Maike Richter, an Economy Ministry economist. Richter, 43, is 35 years younger than Kohl.

Kohl's first wife committed suicide in 2001.

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