Sharon'still in critical condition despite improvement
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-01-08 08:38

The policies include "an unrelenting war on terror, as well as an unending effort in the direction of the peace process," Peres said.

The media members set up tents and equipment outside the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, where Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is hospitalized in critical condition Jan. 7. (Xinhua)

Olmert wanted to assure Peres that he is a valued member of Kadima, even in a post-Sharon era. Olmert's move came as an effort to block any attempt by Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz to return Peres to the Labor.

World leaders continued to send their good wishes to Sharon on Saturday, as Jordanian King Abdullah II called Olmert to express concern over Sharon's health.

A few hours later, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his concern and support for Sharon, telling Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom "we stand firmly beside Israel."

"Along with our Israeli friends, we are worried about the health and life of the prime minister," Steinmeier said in a brief statement following the conversation.

On Friday evening, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Olmert to express concern of the U.S. administration and nation for Sharon. She told Olmert that Americans are praying for Sharon's well-being.

Earlier, Rice canceled a six-day trip to Australia and Indonesia amid uncertainty over Sharon's condition.

Olmert thanked Rice for her wishes and updated her on the prime minister's condition. He also asked Rice to relay to President George W. Bush that his warm words on Sharon had encouraged the entire country of Israel.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak also called Olmert Friday evening to wish Sharon well. Mubarak told him that he was looking forward to continued cooperation with Israel and that good Israel-Egypt ties will continue.