German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to visit Israel at the end of this month despite that her Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon is still gravely ill, a government spokesman said in Berlin Friday.

Thomas Steg said that Merkel is still ready to go ahead with a visit on Jan. 29-30, though Berlin had made clear from the beginning that it could decide flexibly on a date.

It is suggested that the trip could be canceled as Sharon has been in a critical condition since he suffered a stroke early this month and received several brain operations.

"We continue to assume this trip will take place" as Jan. 29-30 is still free in Merkel's timetable, Steg said.

Source: Xinhua