The European Commission (EC) is concerned with the health of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, EC spokeswoman Emma Udwin said here on Thursday.

"We remain concerned about the news of Mr. Sharon," Udwin told the EC midday press briefing, adding that the situation was " worrying."

"We are with his family, with Israeli government and Israeli people," she said.

Sharon suffered a serious stroke on Wednesday night and on Thursday Sharon fought for his life following seven hours of emergency surgery to stop widespread bleeding in his brain. The massive stroke made it unlikely that he would return to power.

Chirac sends good wishes to Sharon

French President Jacques Chirac on Thursday sent wishes of support to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who has undergone emergency surgery following a massive brain haemorrhage.

"All my wishes and all my thoughts are with you," Chirac said in the message released by his office.

He hoped the Israeli prime minister "will overcome the painful trial he is going through," the missive said.

The French president also said he wanted to see continued "the courageous initiatives started by Mr Sharon that have already won approval from the entire international community."

He ensured France's support, friendship and solidarity to Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister hud Olmert, who is acting as Israeli prime minister during Sharon's hospitalization, according to the statement.

Sharon, 77, was described as being in a critical but stable condition in a Jerusalem hospital after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage on Wednesday.

Sharon pledged a French-Israeli rapprochement during his last visit to Paris in July after years of strained relations between the two countries.