Kissinger has heart attack

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is in hospital after a heart attack.

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is in hospital after a heart attack.

"He's doing well, and is expected to be there for a few days," said Kathy Robinson, spokeswoman for the New York Weill-Cornell Medical Center, where Kissinger was admitted Wednesday.

Kissinger, 77, who had bypass surgery in 1982, was secretary of state in the Nixon and Ford administrations. He has since worked as a consultant and written his memoirs and several books and newspaper articles.

Using secret diplomacy, Kissinger played a pivotal role in establishing a U.S. dialogue with Communist China and, after the 1973 Middle East war, he negotiated agreements between Israel and two of its Arab foes, Egypt and Syria.

Much of his foreign policy was centered on the Soviet Union, trying to ease tensions through a detente and curbing nuclear weapons arsenals.

His role in the wars in Indochina stirred controversy. Critics accused him of delaying US disengagement from Vietnam.