Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon registered his new party on Thursday as Kadima, the Hebrew word for forward, local newspaper Ha'aretz reported.

The newly formed centrist party was originally named as " National Responsibility", but met opposition from the Likud which said the name of the party didn't match its content.

National Religious Party (NRP) Chairman Zevulun Orlev also raised opposition to the name of "National Responsibility", for its acronym in English is similar to his party.

Sharon's new party was formally approved by the Knesset ( parliament) House Committee on Wednesday.

"Kadima" was chosen after another name "Hatikva" (Hope) was also rejected.

Meanwhile, Sharon convened the first meeting of his new party on Thursday in Tel Aviv as the central committee of the Likud, which Sharon quit on Monday as party leader, will also meet to start the process of choosing a new head.

Struggles for the top position have already heated up as several veteran politicians have indicated ambitions to compete for it.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, a declared candidate for the party leadership, will make his maiden appearance before the committee.

Sharon has managed to take 14 Likud parliament members with him and some members of the Labor party to contest in the March 28 national elections, originally slated for November 2006.

Source: Xinhua