Romania president says well after surgery

BUCHAREST, Sep 9 (Reuters) Romanian President Traian Basescu said today he was feeling well after undergoing surgery on his thyroid gland, as he left hospital for a two-day rest.

''I could have left the hospital last evening, but they (the doctors) didn't let me,'' Basescu told reporters in front of the hospital. ''I am feeling very well, I will respect the medical recommendations and stay home for at least two days.'' The presidency has said in a statement a lump was found on his thyroid gland during routine medical checks in June, but did not require emergency intervention.

It was the second surgery the former sea captain has undergone during his mandate, after an operation on a herniated disc last year.

The straight-talking Basescu, 55, was sworn in in 2004, after defeating the ex-communist party candidate and former Prime Minister Adrian Nastase. His term expires in 2009.

REUTERS PD PM1653