German chancellor to visit Israel
In get-well card to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, German Chancellor Angela Merkel writes she plans to arrive in Israel in January for first official visit
Merkel wrote to Sharon that she was worried by the news of his hospitalization, and wished him well and a speedy recovery.
Merkel also thanked Sharon for the invitation to visit Israel, which was relayed to her through Vice Premier Ehud Olmert recently.
"I wish to accept this invitation as soon as possible, in order to give the special friendship between Germany and Israel its proper expression," Merkel wrote to the prime minister.
Diplomatic officials in Israel have already started preparing for the chancellor's visit, set to take place prior to Israeli general elections.
Merkel's greeting card was one of numerous letters and calls the PM has received over the past 40 hours, since he was admitted to the Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital.
Among the callers were President Bush's office, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak and Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
After sufficient rest at his official Jerusalem residence, Sharon plans to return thanks to all the world leaders who called to express their concern and inquire as to his health.
Dozens of bouquets of flowers from Israeli well-wishers, as well as thousands of faxes and emails have also been received at the hospital after Sharon was admitted.
The PM is expected to thank the people of Israel for their concern and support in a public media address within the next few days.
