BERLIN, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- The deterioration of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's health will not prompt any change in Germany's policy on the Middle East, a government spokesman said here on Friday.

    "The fundamentals of German policy on the Middle East remain firm," said Thomas Steg, the spokesman, at a news conference, adding that Germany will continue to support the Mideast peace process.

    The spokesman also said a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the Middle East is being planned.

    Israel's 77-year-old Prime Minister Sharon is in a medically induced coma after suffering a massive stroke on Wednesday and undergoing two head operations.

    Doctors said the sedation is expected to last until Sunday at least and that he is unlikely to resume office.

    Sharon's sudden grave illness has cast great uncertainty over the upcoming Israeli general elections slated for March 28, and the prospects of the Middle East peace process. Enditem