Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sits next to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's empty chair during an emergency cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, January 5, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters)

JERUSALEM, Jan. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Thursday that the general elections will be held as scheduled on March 28 despite of Ariel Sharon remaining in critical conditions.

   Several hours after Sharon's prime ministerial authority was transferred to Olmert, the cabinet convened for an emergency meeting on Thursday morning.

   "Israel's strength will allow it to face the situation," Olmert, visibly anxious, said in his brief statement.

   "We will carry on running the country and pray for good news from hospital," Olmert said.

   "This is a difficult situation which we are not accustomed to. Ariel is not only the prime minister and a leader, but a close friend to all of us," Olmert told the ministers.

   Sharon, 77, was rushed to Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital on Wednesday night after he suffered a serious stroke.

   The prime minister has been moved into the intensive care unit for at least 24 hours of deep sedation after undergoing surgeries that had stopped the massive cerebral bleeding.

   Following the short meeting, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni told reporters that "the message the cabinet is sending is that the government is functioning."

   "I will do everything in my power to help the interim prime minister lead the government and reach the right decisions, and I am sure the other ministers will do the same," Livni said.

   Transportation Minister Meir Sheetrit said after the meeting that the "government is continuing to work normally, with only a change in personnel."

   Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told Israel Radio that the defense establishment will continue functioning as usual in the face of deepening chaos in the Gaza Strip.

   Prior to the emergency cabinet meeting, Likud party Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu decided to postpone the planned resignation of his party's ministers from government in light of Sharon's condition.

   Aides to Netanyahu said the newly elected Likud chief would support Olmert's leadership and remain in government, thus contributing to the sense of political stability. Enditem