NICOSIA, Cyprus, Jan 11, SPA -- Cypriot Defense Minister Nicos Symeonides was in stable condition Thursday after suffering a heart attack during treatment for lung trouble, the government said. Symeonides' condition is «stable but serious,»government spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis said. Symeonides, 68, was admitted to a Nicosia hospital on Jan. 5 with a respiratory infection. His condition worsened despite treatment and doctors on Wednesday performed an open lung biopsy to determine the exact cause of the minister's illness, a hospital statement said. Symeonides suffered cardiac arrest during the surgery, but heart function was immediately restored, the Associated Press reported. Symeonides was appointed defense minister Oct. 6.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/417266