Argentine President-elect Fernando de la Rua returns to his office November 18 after spending five days in hospital where he underwent minor lung surgery. De la Rua, who takes office December 10, was taken to hospital November 12 suffering from respiratory problems and was dignosed with pneumothorax, which is air escaping from the lung and built up in his chest cavity. Argentine financial markets have been waiting for De la Rua to announce his cabinet and clarify his economic proposals.

EM