Ex-Dominican President Ailing

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Former president Salvador Jorge Blanco, who had asked for political asylum and had taken shelter in the home of the Venezuelan ambassador, was taken to a clinic by ambulance today.

Dr. Jose Fernandez Caminero, who accompanied Jorge Blanco to a waiting ambulance, said his condition was “delicate” and “everything indicates he suffered a heart attack.” Jorge Blanco asked for political asylum eight days ago after the government issued an order for his arrest. The former president, who left office last August, was accused of being involved in an illegal purchase of goods for the military and the police.