Mexico's Fox suffers dizzy spell, recovers

MEXICO CITY, Nov 27 (Reuters) Mexican President Vicente Fox became faint at a farewell party at his ranch five days before leaving office but recovered and returned to the celebration, the government said.

Heat from the sun made Fox, 64, dizzy as he entertained legislators and officials from his National Action Party at his San Cristobal ranch in the central state of Guanajuato yesterday.

''After the corresponding medical examination, the president returned to the celebration, which continued in a cordial atmosphere,'' his office said in a statement.

Fox, a former Coca-Cola executive, made history in the 2000 presidential election by ending 71 years of rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party. He hands power to fellow conservative President-elect Felipe Calderon on December 1.

Reforma newspaper online said Fox, who underwent back surgery in 2003, also had fallen at the ranch on Saturday, hurting his back.

Fox has failed to push much-promised economic reforms through Congress but he enjoys a high popularity rating and a reputation for honesty.

Reuters DH VP0725