Ariel Sharon four years in coma

Reuters

ARIEL SHARON: The former Israeli prime minister remains in a coma after four years.

Relevant offers

Middle East

Iran's nuke advances deepen standoff with West Syria's Assad offers vote, tanks shell rebel areas Iranian boats shadow US aircraft carrier in Gulf Attacks in India, Georgia target Israeli diplomats Syrian troops resume bombing of Homs Families escape Homs during lull in shelling Syrian army general assassinated in Damascus Gaddafi's son warns of uprising Violence intensifies in Syria West offers words, only, as Syria killing rages

Ariel Sharon, the tough army general turned Israeli prime minister, is still lying unconscious in a hospital bed after the stroke that left him comatose on January 4, four years ago.

A close friend of Mr Sharon said his vital signs were good but it was not clear if he would ever regain consciousness. Medical experts have said that was most unlikely.

Another close friend of Mr Sharon said he was not connected to a respirator but sometimes needed an oxygen mask at night.

''There is still no change physiologically,'' he said. ''His body functions but he has still not regained consciousness. Who knows if he can hear or not.''

- © Fairfax NZ News