Stroke won't hold me back says Israeli leader Sharon

Published on 19/12/2005 11:46

ISRAELI Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said he has no plans to resign and feels fine after suffering a stroke, which his doctor said was "very minor".

"I've already been at the front for the past 60 years and I definitely plan to continue my job," he told Israel's Army Radio this morning.

He was taken to hospital in Jerusalem after complaining of feeling unwell while being driven home from work.

Hospital officials said later yesterday that the Prime Minister was conscious and his condition not life-threatening.

The 77-year-old is not known to have had serious health problems in recent years.

His personal physician, Boleslav Goldman, said he expected the Prime Minister would remain in hospital for three or four days.

He denied earlier reports that Mr Sharon had temporarily lost consciousness.