Bogota, July 3 (RHC)-- The leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, Timoleon Jimenez, or Timochenko, was hospitalized Sunday morning and diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack, according to preliminary medical reports. 

The rebel leader is being hospitalized in a clinic in the municipality of Villavicencio, in the department of Meta, and will undergo tests. 

In a statement issued Sunday afternoon, the FARC said the leader's condition was stable and satisfactory, adding that "the medical report recommended a period of exams, observation and rest."  The FARC also thanked organizations and individuals for their immediate expressions of solidarity. 

Lydis Hererra, director of the clinic, explained that Timochenko received "a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack," which is similar to a stroke, but usually lasts only a few minutes and causes no permanent damage. 

In a press conference, Herrera said that the leader of the FARC presented symptoms such as speech impairment and numbness in his left arm, but said that his progress has been satisfactory and he will continue to be monitored in the intensive care unit of the clinic.