PARIS: World leaders sent their wishes for a speedy recovery to critically ill Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, aware that his fate could profoundly alter the political dynamics in the Middle East.

With the 77-year-old Sharon fighting for his life following a massive brain haemorrhage, analysts expressed concern over Israel's political future ahead of the upcoming election and the wider impact on the Middle East peace process.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said China was most concerned about Sharon's health, and wished him quick recovery.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas expressed "great concern," but stressed the Israeli prime minister's fate would not delay Palestinian polls this month.

"What happens to Sharon affects Israel first of all and has repercussions for the region, but will not lead to a delay in the Palestinian elections," Abbas told reporters in Ramallah after returning from a Middle East tour.

"We see (Sharon's hospitalisation) as an important and serious event and are following with great concern any harm that may come to him," added Abbas, who earlier telephoned Sharon's office to wish him a speedy recovery.

In contrast, Palestinian militant group Hamas, Sharon's fiercest enemy, gloated over the news.

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan "is deeply concerned" about Sharon's health, Annan's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

US President George W. Bush hailed Sharon as a strong man who "had a vision for peace."

"Our nation sends their deepest sympathy to Ariel Sharon," Bush said at the State Department. "We pray for his recovery."

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his "sincere sympathies" and wished Sharon "the speediest recovery," a Kremlin statement said.

The diplomatic quartet pushing for peace in the region - The European Union, Russia, the United States and the United Nations - also sent their support.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana offered Sharon's deputy Ehud Olmert the bloc's support during "these difficult and dramatic times Israel is going through."

On a visit to Beirut, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: "Sharon is very ill and remains the prime minister. We hope and pray that he recovers ... We hope and pray for that miracle."

President Jacques Chirac of France praised Sharon's "courageous initiatives" and said he hoped they would continue.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul also lauded Sharon as a leader who had taken "courageous steps" in the peace process with the Palestinians, citing the controversial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Source: China Daily