Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gestures as he leaves after speaking to journalists at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005. (Xinhua/AFP photo)

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon addresses the media during a news conference upon his release from hospital in Jerusalem December 20, 2005. (Xinhua)

    JERUSALEM, Dec. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, pale but smiling, was released from Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

    While leaving the hospital, Sharon told reporters that "I must hurry to return to work so that we can move forward."

    Sharon is likely to chair the Sunday session of the cabinet,Kadima Party faction chairman Roni Bar-On said before Sharon left the hospital just before noon on Tuesday.

    Hadassah physicians decided Monday night that they would release Sharon on Tuesday, after he underwent a new series of tests to determine the effects of the stroke he suffered Sunday evening. Enditem