'Sharon will not be PM again'

2006-01-08 10:35

Josef Federman

Jerusalem - Ariel Sharon will not be returning to the post of Israeli prime minister.

Sharon's surgeons say his chances of survival are high, but his ability to think and reason is impaired. His doctors have ruled out the possibility of Sharon returning to office.

Sharon was taken for another brain scan on Sunday as doctors decide when to start bringing the Israeli leader out of an induced coma.

Once out of the coma, doctors will be able to determine how much brain damage Sharon has suffered as a result of his debilitating stroke on Wednesday.

Hadassah Hospital spokesperson Ron Krumer said Sharon's doctors began discussions on pulling Sharon out of his coma this morning.

He said Sharon would undergo another brain scan as part of standard treatment.

Sharon has undergone two rounds of surgery to stop bleeding in the brain and to relieve pressure inside his skull since his stroke on Wednesday.

Before his collapse, Sharon looked headed to win a third term in office at the head of the new Kadima party.

Since his stroke, Sharon has been sedated into a medically induced coma to allow him time to heal

Deputy prime minister Ehud Olmert has assumed Sharon's responsibilities and convened the Israeli Cabinet for its weekly session on Sunday.

- AP