JERUSALEM, Dec. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- The newly-formed Kadima party held a meeting at the Knesset (parliament) on Monday afternoon, but refused to discuss who might serve as a potential successor to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon following his hospitalization Sunday night, Israel Radio reported.

   The meeting was held as scheduled despite the hospitalization of Sharon, who is also the party chairman, on Sunday night after he experienced a mild stroke.

   Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ehud Olmert, who is a Kadima member and is filled in as premier during Sharon's hospitalization, told the radio on Monday that the party is not discussing possible successors to Sharon at the meeting.

   "It is wild exaggeration to say that Kadima is just Ariel Sharon," he added.

   Another Kadima minister Meir Sheetrit also told Channel 2 TV on Monday afternoon that Kadima "is not just one man. It is a (political) path."

   One Kadima parliament member, however, believed that even if it is assumed that Sharon will return to his full responsibilities within a few days, Sharon's health will clearly be an issue during the upcoming elections due on March 28. Enditem