Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Doctors Say Sharon's Condition Stable
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1085694:3919ACA Ariel Sharon
remains unconscious but able to breathe on his own, even though he is
still attached to a ventilator





Ariel Sharon (file photo)

Israeli doctors say Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remains in stable but
critical condition as they try to revive him from a medically-induced
coma.

Hadassah Hospital spokesman Ron Kromer says Mr. Sharon is able to
breathe on his own, but is still attached to a ventilator.

Doctors are still reducing anesthesia that kept Mr. Sharon in a
comatose state since Wednesday, when the 77-year-old leader suffered a
massive stroke.

Since his anesthesia dosage was reduced, Mr. Sharon has responded to
pain stimuli with slight movements.

Doctors say Mr. Sharon has a good chance of survival, but they expect
he will not be able to continue as leader of the Israeli government.


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