JERUSALEM, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Labor Party Chairman Amir Peretz said that Labor had offered to assist acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in efforts to ensure proper management of the state's affairs.

   "These are days of pain," Peretz said. "They are difficult days for all of us. We are all united in prayer for the health and recovery of the prime minister (Ariel Sharon)."

   "The Israeli democracy is a strong one and is capable of emerging from any crisis. Today, it depends on the extent of national responsibility that we all display," Peretz said.

   "Israel's military and social government structures are complex and extensive, thus as Labor Party chairman I promise to give the acting prime minister any needed assistance in order to stabilize these structures," he said.

   Peretz said his party has suspended all its primaries and election activity due to Sharon's health problems.

   Earlier Friday, Sharon was rushed back to the operating room for the third time within 48 hours after a CT scan showed new bleeding in his brain.

   Labor leaders refused to comment Thursday on the political implications of Sharon's illness, following Peretz's request that they refrain from speculating and commenting on the prime minister's condition.

   Labor withdrew from Sharon's coalition cabinet after Peretz won party leader contest last November. Enditem