By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened a special press conference on Monday and announced that he has been diagnosed with signs of a tumor in his prostate.
The prime minister was quoted by Israeli media as saying that the condition was disclosed to him earlier this month during a routine medical check-up upon his return from a visit to Russia.
He said he would have surgery to treat the illness and that he has full chances of recovery. He also said that the disease was caught at an early stage.
The prime minister added that the diagnosis would not prevent him from continuing his duties as prime minister in full capacity.
Olmert, 62, came to power in January, 2006, when then-prime minister Ariel Sharon suffered a devastating stroke.
At the beginning of 2006, Sharon suffered a light stroke, after which he underwent a series of medical tests. He later suffered a massive stroke and has been unconscious ever since.