PARIS, Sept. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- French President Jacques Chirac was hospitalized Friday for one week for a slight vision problem after a "minor vascular incident," a Paris hospital confirmed on Saturday.

    "The president of the republic was hospitalized last night at the Val de Grace hospital for a minor vascular incident that led to a slight vision disorder, which should be over within a few days," the military hospital said in a statement.

    "The president of the republic is expected to remain hospitalized for about one week," the statement said.

    French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin also confirmed the news at a summer conference in La Baule on France's Atlantic coast.

    "Last night, he had a small vascular incident causing slight vision trouble that should fade over the next few days," said Villepin.

    He had spoken to Chirac on Saturday and was going to visit him in hospital later in the day, said the prime minister.

    According to Chirac's agenda previously released, the presidentis to go next week to Rheinsberg in Germany for an informal meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. Besides the weekly ministers meeting he is scheduled to preside Wednesday, Chirac is expected to go to visit a training center for the youth at Val d'Oise in northwest Paris.

    Next Friday, he is expected to meet with agricultural and food industry officials as well as some consumer representatives before receiving Prince Albert II of Monaco at lunchtime. Enditem