Prime Minister Ariel Sharon this evening, spoke with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who telephoned in order to wish him a rapid recovery and good health and to suggest that he find time to rest amidst his busy schedule.
UN Secy.-Gen. Annan conveyed his greetings for the New Year and expressed the hope that it would both bring success and lead to peace.  He also expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Sharon's great contribution to improving Israel's situation and diplomatic position.

Prime Minister Sharon thanked UN Secy.-Gen. Annan for his interest and concern regarding the former's health and said that he feels better and is due to return to work on Sunday.  The Prime Minister said that he is interested in moving forward in order to resolve the issues on the agenda and congratulated UN Secy.-Gen. Annan and his family on the occasion of the New Year.

The two men discussed both the need for cooperation in the Syrian and Lebanese spheres and the Palestinian issue.