New brain scan for Israeli PM Sharon

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's doctors yesterday completed a new brain scan of the Israeli leader, Hadassah Hospital officials said.

Doctors were reviewing the results of the scan before resuming discussions on when to pull Mr Sharon out of an induced coma, the officials said.

Surgeons at the Jerusalem hospital, where the 77-year-old has been under sedation and on a respirator since last week's stroke, say there is a good chance he will survive, though it is unclear how much his faculties have been impaired.

Mr Sharon has remained in a "critical but stable" condition since emergency surgery to staunch bleeding in his brain.

Neurosurgeon Jose Cohen stressed yesterday that Mr Sharon would not be unscathed after his "severe impact".

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Government confirmed it had sent a message of support to Mr Sharon, his family and the Israeli people through the Ambassador in Ankara, who is accredited to Israel.

- REUTERS, NZPA