Tehran, April 14, IRNA � The condition of Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami is improving and he is expected to leave hospital within ten days, says Iranian Health Minister.

There are signs of improvement in Kiarostami's condition and everything needed has been done for his treatment, Hassan Qazizadeh Hashemi told reporters on Thursday following visiting the renowned Iranian filmmaker at the Jam Hospital in Tehran.

'We hope to see him released from the hospital within ten days,' Hashemi said.

Hashemi said that Kiarostami's fever has reduced, his kidneys are in good condition and he has a normal nourishment and satisfactory appetite.

The minister also said that as an artist, Abbas Kiarostami is an Iranian national treasure who has gained great honors for our country.

'This is our responsibility to be sensitive toward our assets and this amount of sensitivity is not going to mean that we are not sensitive towards other people,' he said.

Kiarostami was hospitalized before Norouz for a gastrointestinal disease and had an operation. Soon, he went under the second operation and he passed through a critical phase.

By IRNA