Sharon gets feeding tube

JERUSALEM - Doctors on Wednesday inserted a feeding tube into the stomach of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, a hospital statement said, raising new doubts about his chances of a swift recovery after last month's massive stroke.

Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital said Sharon, in a coma since undergoing surgery for his January 4 stroke, remained in critical but stable condition after the latest procedure, which required anaesthetic.

The 77-year-old Sharon's departure from Israel's political scene was made official on Tuesday by the absence of his name from the list of candidates for the March 28 parliamentary election unveiled by the Kadima party which he founded.

Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who assumed Sharon's powers, has pledged to pursue his policies in peacemaking efforts with the Palestinians.

- REUTERS