2006年VOA标准英语-Israeli PM Ariel Sharon Suffers Stroke（在线收听）

By Jim Teeple
Jerusalem
04 January 2006

Israel's Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, has suffered what his doctors call a "significant stroke." Mr. Sharon's powers as prime minister have been transferred to his vice premier, Ehud Olmert.
 

Ambulance believed to be carrying Israeli PM Ariel Sharon arrives at Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006   
  
Mr. Sharon was rushed to Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital after complaining of chest pains late Wednesday.

Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef the medical director of Hadassah hospital says Mr. Sharon is currently under general anesthetic and is receiving breathing assistance. In a brief statement Dr. Mor-Yosef told a shocked Israeli public that Mr. Sharon had suffered a "significant stroke."

"Good Evening, the prime minister arrived about one hour ago at Hadassah Hospital," he said. "The diagnosis is a significant stroke. For the purpose of the diagnosis has been given an anesthetic and is on a respirator. He is now in the imaging department for a more precise diagnosis of the event." 
 
 
Israeli cabinet secretary Israel Maimon, center, with Hadassah hospital's Dr. Shlomo Mor Yosef who speaks to journalists outside emergency room in Jerusalem late Wednesday
  
Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef went on to say that initial tests indicate that Mr. Sharon had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, or bleeding on the brain.

Israel's government reacted immediately, transferring Mr. Sharon's powers to his Vice Premier Ehud Olmert. Cabinet Secretary Yisrael Maimom made the announcement.

"Given the fact that the treatment of the prime minister requires anesthetic I spoke to the attorney general and the deputy prime minister, Ehud Olmert, and it has been decided that Minister Olmert have powers transferred to him," he said. "The other ministers have also been updated." 

Ariel Sharon (File photo)   
  
Mr. Sharon suffered a mild stroke on December 18 and was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure on Thursday to patch a small hole in his heart. His doctors had said while he was extremely overweight, he was in generally good health.

Late last year Mr. Sharon left the ruling Likud Party and formed his own party to contest upcoming elections. Polls indicated he was heavily favored to win a historic third term.