JERUSALEM, Dec. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Physicians will hold a news conference on Monday to publish Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon¡¯s health record following a minor stroke he suffered a week ago.

    Findings from tests before and after Sharon's hospitalization, plans for monitoring his health and details of his future treatment plan will be unveiled at the news conference.   The doctors will also explain the implications of the stroke and the likelihood of its recurrence, as well as the heart defect that was discovered only during Sharon's hospital stay.

   It will be the first detailed exposure of the prime minister¡¯s physical conditions by the experts, and is viewed as representing an important milestone in expanding freedom of information in Israel and heightening public transparency regarding the state¡¯s leaders.

    The news conference was organized by the Prime Minister¡¯s Office as an official event under state auspices, instead of a partial report of Sharon's health released to the media through his aides.

    In the past, Sharon has evaded requests to publicize his medical history, despite his stubborn claim that all the examinations attest to his good health and that their publication would worry only his political rivals.

    The significance of the press conference goes beyond the disclosure of Sharon's blood cholesterol levels, his true weight and even the medications he is taking.

    It also sets a precedent that makes the health of the country¡¯s leaders a public matter.

    Sharon's challengers in the March 28 general elections, Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Labor party leader Amir Peretz, will now be asked to take a similar step.

    Every future prime minister, including Sharon if he wins a third term in March, will be asked to submit a periodic report on his health.

    Sharon, 77, returned to work on Sunday after recovering from the stroke, which doctors said caused no permanent damage. Enditem