Heart op for Sharon

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will undergo a previously announced heart procedure on Thursday to close a small hole that apparently led to his recent stroke.

Doctors said last week that the procedure, known as a cardiac catheterisation, would virtually eliminate the risk of Mr Sharon suffering a similar stroke.

The hole was discovered after Mr Sharon’s stroke on December 18, which abruptly put the health of the 77-year-old on the political agenda as he seeks a third term in March 28 elections. Despite the health concerns, opinion polls continue to forecast a strong victory by Sharon, who is the country’s most popular politician.