09/01/2006 (Agence Europe) - Answering questions in Vienna on 9 June on the situation in Israel after the worsening of Ariel Sharon's state of health, during his press conference with President Barroso, Chancellor Schüssel expressed his sincere wishes to the Israeli prime minister. Mr Schüssel said they had known him for many years now and acknowledge that he has come a long way since his “hardliner” beginnings, a road that took him to decide on withdrawal from Gaza. Also, noting that Israelis do not need to be advised on whom to vote for, he said that Ehud Olmert (whom, he noted, they had met at the EuroMed Summit in Barcelona) will no doubt pursue along the “very ambitious” road traced by Sharon.