Doctors discuss Sharon treatment

Mr Sharon has yet to wake up from his coma

The medical team treating Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has held talks with long-term care specialists, a Hadassah Hospital spokesman said.

Doctors have not said whether Mr Sharon will be moved to another facility.

Media reports suggest the Israeli leader is in a "vegetative state" but the hospital has refused to comment.

Mr Sharon has been in a coma since suffering a stroke earlier this month. He is said to be in a "serious but stable" condition.

Mr Sharon's doctors were seeking advice on long-term care from specialists based at Loewenstein Hospital Rehabilitation Center in central Israel, hospital spokesman Ron Krumer said.

His failure to wake up after being taken off sedatives over a week ago has led to speculation that he has suffered severe brain damage.

His deputy, and interim prime minister, Ehud Olmert will lead the newly-formed centrist Kadima party in the general election on 28 March.