Tuesday, January 10 2006 12:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jerusalem: Doctors treating Ariel Sharon were today (Jan 10, 2006) to continue the process of waking the critically ill Israeli leader from a coma a day after he responded positively to initial tests to assess the damage caused by a massive brain haemorrhage.

Medics yesterday began the process of trying to rouse the ailing premier, and were encouraged after he moved his right limbs in response to pain stimulus, indicating he had retained at least some brain function after last week's massive stroke.

In an early-morning update, a hospital spokesman confirmed there had been no change in Sharon's condition overnight, and that he was still 'critical but stable' a day after medics began reducing sedation levels in a bid to try and rouse him.

"There has been no change in the prime minister's condition and he continues to be critical but stable", spokesman Ron Krumer told reporters outside Jerusalem's Hadassa hospital in Ein Kerem.

"Today the doctors will continue the treatment that they started yesterday," he said.

Another medical update is due at 4:00 pm (1930 hours IST), he added.

The medical team treating Sharon yesterday began reducing the level of sedatives which had been keeping him in a coma to help his body recover, and were encouraged when he responded positively.

"We carried out pain stimulus tests which involve pressure," hospital director Shlomo Mor-Yosef said last afternoon.