Prague - Following two weeks of hospitalization, former president Václav Havel was finally released from hospital on Thursday.

Václav Havel was taken to Prague's Motol hospital January 13 with severe breathing problems. He underwent a minor surgery. His condition was stable at first but later grave serious.

Deputy director of the hospital Martin Holcát addmited that Havel had been in a "very grave condition."

"It has never been so serious before," added Holcát.

Physiotherapist Pavel Kovář said that Václav Havel "has a good capacity fo breathing now", therefore it was decided he can be released.

Prague or sea?

Václav Havel is likely to stay home until Sunday. Meanwhile, the doctors will decide what further steps to take to assure Havel's successful recovery.

Havel may spend the next few weeks in a clinic in Prague - Malvazinky where president Václav Klaus was recovering after his hip operation.

The other option is a seaside resort. But traveling and temperature change would be too demanding for Havel at this moment.

Earlier this year Havel's doctors warned that the recovery of their chronically ill patient will be long.

In the past 71-year old Havel suffered from a number of respiratory problems which doctors believe were caused by the long years he spent in communist prisons. He had a cancerous tumor found in his lung and removed in 1996.

Havel's state of health regularly worsens during the winter months. He was hospitalized last February with a chronic bronchitis and heart arrhythmia.