(Adds PM's, PN's and PL's get well wishes)

President George Abela accidentally sustained an injury before leaving his hotel in China this morning and is recovering in hospital.

The Department of Information said the President was admitted to Ruijin Hospital where he was diagnosed as suffering from an incomplete fracture of his second lumbar transverse process, combined with bruising in his left chest and the soft tissue of his waist. He is being kept in hospital for further observation and treatment.

The President had to cancel his presence at the official inauguration of the Shanghai Expo 2010.

Updates on his status will be released as soon as they become available from the hospital's orthopaedic department.

The first update is expected sometime tomorrow morning.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi spoke to Dr Abela on the telephone and wished him well. He also spoke to Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, who is accompanying the President, and offered whatever help is necessary to Dr Abela.

Both the Nationalist and Labour parties hoped Dr Abela would be well soon.

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