Chancellor Angela Merkel will discuss challenging topics including the situation in Syria with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Germany next week, a spokesman for the German government said on Friday.

Russia and Turkey told a weekly meeting of the UN&nbsp;Syria humanitarian taskforce in Geneva on Thursday that they were still working out the details of their plan to avert a major battle in Syria's Idlib province but were optimistic.

Chancellor Angela Merkel will discuss challenging topics including the situation in Syria with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Germany next week, a spokesman for the German government said on Friday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel will discuss challenging topics including the situation in Syria with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Germany next week, a spokesman for the German government said on Friday. Russia and Turkey told a weekly meeting of the UN Syria humanitarian taskforce in Geneva on Thursday that they were still working out the details of their plan to avert a major battle in Syria's Idlib province but were optimistic.

Merkel to discuss Syria with Erdogan during his visit next week

By:&nbspCharles Hankla*

The latest G-7 summit, held June 8 to 9 in Quebec, was one of the most contentious in years.

That's because Donald Trump and his counterparts from six other industrialised countries have been at loggerheads over the president's aggressive but unstable trade policy. Trump's renunciation of the Iran nuclear deal, his efforts to renegotiate NAFTA and his intransigent stance on climate change are not helping matters. Nor is his proposal to readmit Russia to the G-7 gathering.

But the ink on the G-7 communique wasn't dry before Trump darted to Singapore to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for nuclear talks, another example of his unpredictable decision-making style. One moment he’s threatening war with the dictator, and the next he’s buttering him up for a summit.

One way to understand Trump's foreign policy decisions is to focus on their inconsistency rather than their content. Let's take trade policy as an example.

I have written a number of times about the economic dangers of the Trump administration's tilt toward protectionism. And I have pointed to the risk that Trump's use of trade policy as a unilateral weapon could undermine the rule-based international order.

I remain worried about these issues, but what has struck me much more deeply in recent days is the seeming inconsistency, indeed instability, of Trump's behavior on trade. It is worth considering its causes and consequences – which extend far beyond trade to his nuclear game of chess with North Korea and Iran.

Trouble in Trump trade land

First, let's review just a few of Trump's recent trade decisions.

At the G7, Trump's belligerent and unpredictable trade policy was the main reason the other leaders – which also include Germany's Angela Merkel, the U.K.'s Theresa May and France's Emmanuel Macron – are so perturbed. Some commentators are even beginning to term the meeting a "G6 plus one" to signify Trump's estrangement from his allies.

Recent events have inflamed tensions significantly. The White House said on May 31 that it would impose steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada and Mexico. The three had previously received exemptions from the new tariffs, first imposed in March and justified with a little-used national security provision.

All are now planning retaliatory tariffs against the United States, along with legal action at the World Trade Organisation. Friends indeed.

It's the same story with China, which Trump has not only made subject to the same metals tariffs but has also threatened with US$50 billion of other sanctions if it doesn't meet a series of demands.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross recently traveled to Beijing hoping to negotiate increased Chinese purchases of American goods and a reduction of its trade deficit with the U.S. He was forced to return empty-handed after the Chinese government declared itself unwilling to act without an American promise to drop its tariff threats. An earlier leak that China would purchase an additional $200 million of U.S. exports turned out to be wildly optimistic.

The United States now finds itself isolated, not only from China but from its strongest allies as well. Is this a temporary step in negotiations, or is it the new normal?

Shifting trade winds

Of course, Trump's proclivity for changing his mind is well-known, but all the same there is an understandable tendency among commentators to focus on the content of his policy choices.

This is especially true on trade, where Trump's protectionist rhetoric has been exuberant, to say the least.

And it is true that Trump's actions have been more anti-trade than those of his predecessors, beginning with his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership during the first week of his presidency.

Nevertheless, over the last few months, Trump's trade policy has seemed increasingly erratic. He publicly discussed reentering the Pacific trade deal and just as quickly dismissed the idea. He imposed metal tariffs, immediately granted exemptions to most of America’s major exporters and then withdrew those exemptions three months later. He threatened China with new tariffs on $150 billion worth of exports, then suspended them and risked political capital to save the Chinese corporation ZTE. And after pushing for extraordinary trade concessions from China, he had to take a U-turn after it denied that it had agreed to the most important of those demands.

Two schools of thought

There are two schools of thought about what is driving this policy instability.

Supporters of the president tend to see it as a negotiating tactic, the "Art of the Deal" on a grander scale. Trump, they believe, is trying to throw world leaders off-balance so that he can extract more trade concessions from them.

Trump’s detractors, by contrast, see the president as hopelessly adrift, swayed this way and that by the varying opinions of his advisers. When globalists such as Steve Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross, secretaries of the treasury and commerce, respectively, have his ear, the president softens his stance on trade. But when U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House adviser Peter Navarro, economic nationalists both, are in the room, Trump doubles down on protection.

Master negotiator?

If U.S. observers accept that Trump's shifting policy is part of a broader negotiating strategy, Americans can perhaps hope for a better outcome than what they see now.

Indeed, there is some basis in game theory for "irrational" behavior as a negotiating technique. Nobel laureate Thomas Schelling, in his 1960 classic "The Strategy of Conflict," pointed out that negotiators with a reputation for overreacting when their demands aren't met can be in a stronger position to extract concessions.

If a country can convince its opponent of its willingness to follow through on threats even when they are self-destructive, the country can more effectively compel changes in behavior. Moreover, if an opponent doubts the ability of a country's leaders to understand or carefully consider the consequences of the opponent's threats, the country is, ironically, in a stronger negotiating position. This "irrationality" approach was famously termed the "madman strategy" by Richard Nixon and played a role in motivating his escalation of the Vietnam War during the Paris negotiations.

Perhaps, then, Americans are witnessing the early stages of a negotiating strategy that will ultimately bear fruit.

Or malleable amateur?

Even in this optimistic scenario, however, the president's approach seems too myopic.

After all, international trade negotiations do not play by the same rules as military diplomacy, where much of this theory was developed. Such techniques might have a greater chance of working with Iran and North Korea, but of course, the risks of escalation here are even more severe.

Trade is different because it is mutually beneficial and also because it requires cooperation that is sustained over time. A country's reputation for stable compliance with its agreements is thus put at a premium otherwise, the country risks being shunned by potential partners. To wrest trade concessions from America's partners may be satisfying, but if it is accomplished at the cost of weakening the world trading system, it is hardly worth the price.

The costs of instability

If, on the other hand, Trump's unstable policy is a symptom of indecision in the face of the competing agendas of his aides, the world economy may be in for a bumpy ride. Irrational behavior can be used selectively as a negotiating technique but has a high cost if not applied carefully and strategically. If a country's negotiating partners doubt its willingness or ability to follow through on its promises, cooperation becomes impossible.

In the final analysis, a stable and rule-based trading system is in the United States' long-term interest. Inconsistent and aggressive trade policies, whether produced by a master negotiator or a malleable amateur, risk poisoning the mutual trust necessary to make such a system function.

Some are now saying that President Trump is in the early stages of reconsidering America's membership in the WTO. Hopefully, the president will come to understand what is at stake soon, before it is too late.

(Charles Hankla is an Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University.)

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/global">The Conversation</a>. Read the original <a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-could-be-using-advanced-game-theory-negotiating-techniques-or-hes-hopelessly-adrift-97836">article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Trump’s renunciation of the Iran nuclear deal, his efforts to renegotiate NAFTA and his intransigent stance on climate change are not helping matters. Nor is his proposal to readmit Russia to the G-7 gathering

By: Charles Hankla* The latest G-7 summit, held June 8 to 9 in Quebec, was one of the most contentious in years. That's because Donald Trump and his counterparts from six other industrialised countries have been at loggerheads over the president's aggressive but unstable trade policy. Trump's renunciation of the Iran nuclear deal, his efforts to renegotiate NAFTA and his intransigent stance on climate change are not helping matters. Nor is his proposal to readmit Russia to the G-7 gathering. But the ink on the G-7 communique wasn't dry before Trump darted to Singapore to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for nuclear talks, another example of his unpredictable decision-making style. One moment he’s threatening war with the dictator, and the next he’s buttering him up for a summit. One way to understand Trump's foreign policy decisions is to focus on their inconsistency rather than their content. Let's take trade policy as an example. I have written a number of times about the economic dangers of the Trump administration's tilt toward protectionism. And I have pointed to the risk that Trump's use of trade policy as a unilateral weapon could undermine the rule-based international order. I remain worried about these issues, but what has struck me much more deeply in recent days is the seeming inconsistency, indeed instability, of Trump's behavior on trade. It is worth considering its causes and consequences – which extend far beyond trade to his nuclear game of chess with North Korea and Iran. Trouble in Trump trade land First, let's review just a few of Trump's recent trade decisions. At the G7, Trump's belligerent and unpredictable trade policy was the main reason the other leaders – which also include Germany's Angela Merkel, the U.K.'s Theresa May and France's Emmanuel Macron – are so perturbed. Some commentators are even beginning to term the meeting a "G6 plus one" to signify Trump's estrangement from his allies. Recent events have inflamed tensions significantly. The White House said on May 31 that it would impose steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada and Mexico. The three had previously received exemptions from the new tariffs, first imposed in March and justified with a little-used national security provision. All are now planning retaliatory tariffs against the United States, along with legal action at the World Trade Organisation. Friends indeed. It's the same story with China, which Trump has not only made subject to the same metals tariffs but has also threatened with US$50 billion of other sanctions if it doesn't meet a series of demands. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross recently traveled to Beijing hoping to negotiate increased Chinese purchases of American goods and a reduction of its trade deficit with the U.S. He was forced to return empty-handed after the Chinese government declared itself unwilling to act without an American promise to drop its tariff threats. An earlier leak that China would purchase an additional $200 million of U.S. exports turned out to be wildly optimistic. The United States now finds itself isolated, not only from China but from its strongest allies as well. Is this a temporary step in negotiations, or is it the new normal? Shifting trade winds Of course, Trump's proclivity for changing his mind is well-known, but all the same there is an understandable tendency among commentators to focus on the content of his policy choices. This is especially true on trade, where Trump's protectionist rhetoric has been exuberant, to say the least. And it is true that Trump's actions have been more anti-trade than those of his predecessors, beginning with his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership during the first week of his presidency. Nevertheless, over the last few months, Trump's trade policy has seemed increasingly erratic. He publicly discussed reentering the Pacific trade deal and just as quickly dismissed the idea. He imposed metal tariffs, immediately granted exemptions to most of America’s major exporters and then withdrew those exemptions three months later. He threatened China with new tariffs on $150 billion worth of exports, then suspended them and risked political capital to save the Chinese corporation ZTE. And after pushing for extraordinary trade concessions from China, he had to take a U-turn after it denied that it had agreed to the most important of those demands. Two schools of thought There are two schools of thought about what is driving this policy instability. Supporters of the president tend to see it as a negotiating tactic, the "Art of the Deal" on a grander scale. Trump, they believe, is trying to throw world leaders off-balance so that he can extract more trade concessions from them. Trump’s detractors, by contrast, see the president as hopelessly adrift, swayed this way and that by the varying opinions of his advisers. When globalists such as Steve Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross, secretaries of the treasury and commerce, respectively, have his ear, the president softens his stance on trade. But when U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House adviser Peter Navarro, economic nationalists both, are in the room, Trump doubles down on protection. Master negotiator? If U.S. observers accept that Trump's shifting policy is part of a broader negotiating strategy, Americans can perhaps hope for a better outcome than what they see now. Indeed, there is some basis in game theory for "irrational" behavior as a negotiating technique. Nobel laureate Thomas Schelling, in his 1960 classic "The Strategy of Conflict," pointed out that negotiators with a reputation for overreacting when their demands aren't met can be in a stronger position to extract concessions. If a country can convince its opponent of its willingness to follow through on threats even when they are self-destructive, the country can more effectively compel changes in behavior. Moreover, if an opponent doubts the ability of a country's leaders to understand or carefully consider the consequences of the opponent's threats, the country is, ironically, in a stronger negotiating position. This "irrationality" approach was famously termed the "madman strategy" by Richard Nixon and played a role in motivating his escalation of the Vietnam War during the Paris negotiations. Perhaps, then, Americans are witnessing the early stages of a negotiating strategy that will ultimately bear fruit. Or malleable amateur? Even in this optimistic scenario, however, the president's approach seems too myopic. After all, international trade negotiations do not play by the same rules as military diplomacy, where much of this theory was developed. Such techniques might have a greater chance of working with Iran and North Korea, but of course, the risks of escalation here are even more severe. Trade is different because it is mutually beneficial and also because it requires cooperation that is sustained over time. A country's reputation for stable compliance with its agreements is thus put at a premium otherwise, the country risks being shunned by potential partners. To wrest trade concessions from America's partners may be satisfying, but if it is accomplished at the cost of weakening the world trading system, it is hardly worth the price. The costs of instability If, on the other hand, Trump's unstable policy is a symptom of indecision in the face of the competing agendas of his aides, the world economy may be in for a bumpy ride. Irrational behavior can be used selectively as a negotiating technique but has a high cost if not applied carefully and strategically. If a country's negotiating partners doubt its willingness or ability to follow through on its promises, cooperation becomes impossible. In the final analysis, a stable and rule-based trading system is in the United States' long-term interest. Inconsistent and aggressive trade policies, whether produced by a master negotiator or a malleable amateur, risk poisoning the mutual trust necessary to make such a system function. Some are now saying that President Trump is in the early stages of reconsidering America's membership in the WTO. Hopefully, the president will come to understand what is at stake soon, before it is too late. (Charles Hankla is an Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University.) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Understanding Trump's negotiating techniques ahead of meeting with Kim

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday he will huddle with the leaders of Britain, Germany and Italy to forge a common approach on how to handle Donald Trump at the Group of Seven summit in Canada.

Macron will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and new Italian premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday at 10:30 am (1430 GMT), just before the formal start of the summit in La Malbaie.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and EU president Donald Tusk will also attend, the French leader said.

Macron will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and new Italian premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday he will huddle with the leaders of Britain, Germany and Italy to forge a common approach on how to handle Donald Trump at the Group of Seven summit in Canada. Macron will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and new Italian premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday at 10:30 am (1430 GMT), just before the formal start of the summit in La Malbaie. European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and EU president Donald Tusk will also attend, the French leader said.

Macron to meet Britain, Italy, German leaders before G7

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embarks&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;on a three-day European tour in Germany set to be dominated by strategic differences on Iran, as leaders attempt to rescue the nuclear deal after US withdrawal.

With partners in Berlin, Paris and London still reeling from President Donald Trump's decision last month to exit the hard-fought 2015 accord, Netanyahu is expected to seek European cooperation on a still-to-be-determined Plan B.

"The aim to prevent Iran from developing any kind of nuclear capacity was always the foundation of international policy on Iran," Israel's ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, told AFP ahead of the visit.

Issacharoff said that despite "differences of opinion" on how to achieve the aim of hemming in Iran on nuclear matters, "we share the same goal".

Germany, France and Britain are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Netanyahu, who has railed against the deal which offers sanctions relief in exchange for strict limits on Iran's nuclear activities, will hold talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin in the late afternoon, followed by a joint news conference.

He will continue on to Paris for meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;and British Prime Minister Theresa May&nbsp;on Wednesday.

In the face of the US retreat, all three leaders strongly defend the agreement as the best way to head off a regional arms race and have vowed with Russia and China, the two other signatory countries, to keep it alive.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas huddled with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;and insisted that Berlin "wants to maintain the nuclear agreement and make sure Iran maintains it too".

At the same news conference, Wang launched an unvarnished attack on US reliability in global affairs under Trump.

"It is a truism of international law that international accords must be respected... (and) major countries must set an example, not do the opposite," he said.

Supporters also fear the reimposition of US sanctions could hit European firms that have done business with Iran since the accord was signed.

Merkel has acknowledged that while European powers see the JCPOA as the best guarantee against an Iran with nuclear weapons, it is "not perfect".

The Europeans have proposed hammering out a supplementary deal with Tehran covering its ballistic missile programme as well as its interventions in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Western powers view Iran's meddling as destabilising for the region while Israel sees it as a direct threat to its existence.

"I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said last week of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security".

Israel is considered the leading military power in the Middle East and believed to be the only country in the region to possess nuclear weapons.

The visit to Germany, traditionally Israel's closest European ally due to the enduring responsibility Berlin accepts for the Holocaust, comes at a time of further diplomatic tensions.

Merkel has repeatedly criticised expanding Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory as destructive to long-thwarted hopes for a two-state solution.

However, Berlin has defended Israel's right to retaliate against rocket attacks from Gaza amid the worst military flare-up in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave since a 2014 war.

Meanwhile, Merkel has vowed in recent months to fight a resurgence of anti-Semitism in Germany stemming from homegrown extremists and the massive influx of Muslim asylum seekers since the refugee crisis of 2015.&nbsp;

Alexander Gauland, a leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, the biggest opposition party in parliament, unleashed a storm of protest at the weekend when he described the Nazi period and the Holocaust as little more than a "speck of bird shit in over 1,000 years of successful German history".

Israel is considered the leading military power in the Middle East and believed to be the only country in the region to possess nuclear weapons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embarks Monday on a three-day European tour in Germany set to be dominated by strategic differences on Iran, as leaders attempt to rescue the nuclear deal after US withdrawal. With partners in Berlin, Paris and London still reeling from President Donald Trump's decision last month to exit the hard-fought 2015 accord, Netanyahu is expected to seek European cooperation on a still-to-be-determined Plan B. "The aim to prevent Iran from developing any kind of nuclear capacity was always the foundation of international policy on Iran," Israel's ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, told AFP ahead of the visit. Issacharoff said that despite "differences of opinion" on how to achieve the aim of hemming in Iran on nuclear matters, "we share the same goal". Germany, France and Britain are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Netanyahu, who has railed against the deal which offers sanctions relief in exchange for strict limits on Iran's nuclear activities, will hold talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin in the late afternoon, followed by a joint news conference. He will continue on to Paris for meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday and British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday. In the face of the US retreat, all three leaders strongly defend the agreement as the best way to head off a regional arms race and have vowed with Russia and China, the two other signatory countries, to keep it alive. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas huddled with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday and insisted that Berlin "wants to maintain the nuclear agreement and make sure Iran maintains it too". At the same news conference, Wang launched an unvarnished attack on US reliability in global affairs under Trump. "It is a truism of international law that international accords must be respected... (and) major countries must set an example, not do the opposite," he said. Supporters also fear the reimposition of US sanctions could hit European firms that have done business with Iran since the accord was signed. Merkel has acknowledged that while European powers see the JCPOA as the best guarantee against an Iran with nuclear weapons, it is "not perfect". The Europeans have proposed hammering out a supplementary deal with Tehran covering its ballistic missile programme as well as its interventions in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Western powers view Iran's meddling as destabilising for the region while Israel sees it as a direct threat to its existence. "I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said last week of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security". Israel is considered the leading military power in the Middle East and believed to be the only country in the region to possess nuclear weapons. The visit to Germany, traditionally Israel's closest European ally due to the enduring responsibility Berlin accepts for the Holocaust, comes at a time of further diplomatic tensions. Merkel has repeatedly criticised expanding Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory as destructive to long-thwarted hopes for a two-state solution. However, Berlin has defended Israel's right to retaliate against rocket attacks from Gaza amid the worst military flare-up in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave since a 2014 war. Meanwhile, Merkel has vowed in recent months to fight a resurgence of anti-Semitism in Germany stemming from homegrown extremists and the massive influx of Muslim asylum seekers since the refugee crisis of 2015. Alexander Gauland, a leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, the biggest opposition party in parliament, unleashed a storm of protest at the weekend when he described the Nazi period and the Holocaust as little more than a "speck of bird shit in over 1,000 years of successful German history".

Netanyahu heads to Europe seeking about-face on Iran

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ruled out debt relief for Italy, saying in a newspaper interview published on Sunday that the principle of solidarity among euro zone member states should not turn the single currency bloc into a debt-sharing union.

In the interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung Merkel also embraced some of French President Emmanuel Macron's ideas for more solidarity in the euro zone and the broader European Union.

She said while cohesion among members of the single currency bloc was important, "solidarity among euro partners should never lead to a debt union, rather it must be about helping others to help themselves."

Merkel made the remarks when asked about a media report that Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and far-right League had planned to ask the European Central Bank to forgive 250 billion euros ($296 billion) of Italian debt.

An Italian governing coalition of two parties generally seen as hostile to the euro took power on Friday, calming markets that had been spooked by the possibility of a new election that might have effectively become a referendum on whether to leave the single currency.

"I will approach the new Italian government openly and work with it instead of speculating about its intentions," Merkel told the paper in an interview published on Sunday.

In her most detailed comments on Macron's vision, Merkel supported the idea of turning the euro zone's ESM rescue fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF) with powers to give members hit by sovereign debt troubles short-term credit lines.

Macron wants a future EMF to act as a buffer in any future financial crises in the bloc, which was nearly torn apart in a debt crisis in 2009.

Merkel, who has faced criticism for not responding quickly and clearly to Macron's proposals made in September, said the bailout fund, know as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), was not sufficient to shield the euro zone from crisis.

The EMF would complement other measures to strengthen the euro, including a banking and capital markets union, she said.

Germany has been demanding clarity on parameters for reducing risks in the banking sector before progress can be made toward completing a banking union through a deposit insurance scheme. Merkel did not say if her concerns had been addressed.

"If the whole euro zone is in danger, the EMF must be able to grant long-term credit in order to help countries," Merkel told the paper. "Such loans would be spread over 30 years and be conditioned on sweeping structural reforms."

She added: "In addition I can imagine the possibility of a credit line that is short-term, five years for example. As such, we would be able to take under our wing countries that get into difficulties because of extraordinary circumstances."

Her comments were welcomed by the Social Democrats (SPD), junior coalition partners of her conservative bloc in a right-left coalition that took power earlier this year after an election in September.

"This is very pleasing," SPD leader Andrea Nahles told the ARD public broadcaster. "Those are totally new notes from Mrs. Merkel."

The SPD have been critical of the conservatives' focus on austerity in the euro zone and had pressed Merkel to engage more actively with Macron on his reform proposals.

Merkel also said that a future EMF would be organised on an intergovernmental basis and national parliaments of member countries would have oversight.

Lawmakers from Merkel's conservative bloc have been cold to Macron's proposal, saying they are wary that his call for more solidarity could see German taxpayers' money used to fund profligate member states.

The chancellor also said she backed an investment budget for the euro zone, which would be in the low two-digit billions of euros that would be introduced step by step and evaluated over time to address structural weaknesses of member states.

In another nod to Macron, Merkel said she had a "positive view" of his joint European military intervention force. "In the future we will have to react to the challenges that we are faced with," she said.

Merkel on Saturday congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in a phone call on Saturday and invited him for talks in Berlin, her office said.

Conte, a little-known 53-year-old law professor, was sworn in on Friday, ending three months of political deadlock in the wake of inconclusive March 4 elections.

Merkel said she was willing to discuss with the new Italian government ways to boost employment rates among young people in Italy.

In her most detailed comments on Macron's vision, Merkel supported the idea of turning the euro zone's ESM rescue fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF) with powers to give members hit by sovereign debt troubles short-term credit lines

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ruled out debt relief for Italy, saying in a newspaper interview published on Sunday that the principle of solidarity among euro zone member states should not turn the single currency bloc into a debt-sharing union. In the interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung Merkel also embraced some of French President Emmanuel Macron's ideas for more solidarity in the euro zone and the broader European Union. She said while cohesion among members of the single currency bloc was important, "solidarity among euro partners should never lead to a debt union, rather it must be about helping others to help themselves." Merkel made the remarks when asked about a media report that Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and far-right League had planned to ask the European Central Bank to forgive 250 billion euros ($296 billion) of Italian debt. An Italian governing coalition of two parties generally seen as hostile to the euro took power on Friday, calming markets that had been spooked by the possibility of a new election that might have effectively become a referendum on whether to leave the single currency. "I will approach the new Italian government openly and work with it instead of speculating about its intentions," Merkel told the paper in an interview published on Sunday. In her most detailed comments on Macron's vision, Merkel supported the idea of turning the euro zone's ESM rescue fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF) with powers to give members hit by sovereign debt troubles short-term credit lines. Macron wants a future EMF to act as a buffer in any future financial crises in the bloc, which was nearly torn apart in a debt crisis in 2009. Merkel, who has faced criticism for not responding quickly and clearly to Macron's proposals made in September, said the bailout fund, know as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), was not sufficient to shield the euro zone from crisis. The EMF would complement other measures to strengthen the euro, including a banking and capital markets union, she said. Germany has been demanding clarity on parameters for reducing risks in the banking sector before progress can be made toward completing a banking union through a deposit insurance scheme. Merkel did not say if her concerns had been addressed. "If the whole euro zone is in danger, the EMF must be able to grant long-term credit in order to help countries," Merkel told the paper. "Such loans would be spread over 30 years and be conditioned on sweeping structural reforms." She added: "In addition I can imagine the possibility of a credit line that is short-term, five years for example. As such, we would be able to take under our wing countries that get into difficulties because of extraordinary circumstances." Her comments were welcomed by the Social Democrats (SPD), junior coalition partners of her conservative bloc in a right-left coalition that took power earlier this year after an election in September. "This is very pleasing," SPD leader Andrea Nahles told the ARD public broadcaster. "Those are totally new notes from Mrs. Merkel." The SPD have been critical of the conservatives' focus on austerity in the euro zone and had pressed Merkel to engage more actively with Macron on his reform proposals. Merkel also said that a future EMF would be organised on an intergovernmental basis and national parliaments of member countries would have oversight. Lawmakers from Merkel's conservative bloc have been cold to Macron's proposal, saying they are wary that his call for more solidarity could see German taxpayers' money used to fund profligate member states. The chancellor also said she backed an investment budget for the euro zone, which would be in the low two-digit billions of euros that would be introduced step by step and evaluated over time to address structural weaknesses of member states. In another nod to Macron, Merkel said she had a "positive view" of his joint European military intervention force. "In the future we will have to react to the challenges that we are faced with," she said. Merkel on Saturday congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in a phone call on Saturday and invited him for talks in Berlin, her office said. Conte, a little-known 53-year-old law professor, was sworn in on Friday, ending three months of political deadlock in the wake of inconclusive March 4 elections. Merkel said she was willing to discuss with the new Italian government ways to boost employment rates among young people in Italy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel rules out debt relief for Italy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Europe&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;to push his uncompromising stance on Iran to leaders eager to salvage the nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, a fierce opponent of the agreement and the Iranian regime, will meet in turn with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Germany, France and the United Kingdom are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The European leaders have been scrambling to preserve the landmark deal after slamming President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to withdraw.&nbsp;

The fallout from America rejecting the accord is likely to dominate the talks, with Netanyahu expected to firmly oppose European efforts to sustain it.

"I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security".

After years lobbying against the 2015 deal, the decision by close ally Trump to ditch the accord has been greeted as a major triumph by Netanyahu.&nbsp;

The Israeli leader has brushed aside European insistence that the agreement is the best option to prevent Tehran getting the bomb, claiming that it, in fact, brought Tehran closer to becoming a nuclear power.&nbsp;

He also argues that a cash influx into Iran following the lifting of international sanctions as part of the accord has fuelled the expansion of Tehran's military influence in the region, especially in neighbouring Syria.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But while the US retreat from the deal is a personal victory for Netanyahu, it also represents a leap into the unknown for Israel and the broader Middle East.&nbsp;

While foes Iran and Israel have been kept at bay for decades, an unprecedented May 10 escalation in Syria that saw Israel bomb alleged Iranian targets after blaming Tehran for a rocket barrage, has sparked fears of open war.&nbsp;

"An Iranian departure from southern Syria alone will not suffice," Netanyahu said&nbsp;on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The long-range missiles that Iran is working to station in Syria will endanger us even beyond the range of several kilometres from southern Syria therefore, Iran needs to leave Syria altogether."

The Europeans have acknowledged concerns over Iran's regional role and its ballistic activities but sought to maintain the JCPOA while creating a separate arrangement on these issues.&nbsp;

Contrary to what the US and Israel say, Europe insists the 2015 agreement works and Iran has abided by it.&nbsp;

"There is no alternative," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said&nbsp;on Monday.&nbsp;

Merkel, May and Macron are still waiting for the Israelis and Americans to present another way to curb Iran's nuclear programme, but are under no illusions it will happen in next week's meetings, according to a European diplomat.&nbsp;

Divided on other issues, the Europeans have emphasised their cohesion on the JCPOA, fearing that ripping it up could benefit hardliners in Iran and push Tehran to resume large-scale uranium enrichment.

If that happens, the fear is it will once again make striking Iran a real option for Israel.

On Thursday, a former Mossad chief said that in 2011 Netanyahu had ordered him and the military chief of staff to prepare an attack on Iran&nbsp;within 15 days.

According to Tamir Pardo's interview on the Uvda television programme, such a directive could either mean "he really means it", or be a means to deliver a message, for example to the US, and perhaps drive it to take action.

Other major issues look set to be left on the sidelines in the talks with European leaders.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the spotlight after the worst military flare-up in Gaza since a 2014 war raised fears this week of yet another full-blown conflict in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave.

The exchange of fire came after scores of Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during protests and clashes along the Gaza border.

But along with other subjects, such as bilateral relations or the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, it will likely remain overshadowed by Iran.

Expectations of any progress on the conflict with the Palestinians are low.&nbsp;

Peace prospects remain as distant as ever and the diplomatic process in limbo as the sides wait for a plan long promised by the Trump administration.&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Europe Monday to push his uncompromising stance on Iran to leaders eager to salvage the nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew. Netanyahu, a fierce opponent of the agreement and the Iranian regime, will meet in turn with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Germany, France and the United Kingdom are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The European leaders have been scrambling to preserve the landmark deal after slamming President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to withdraw. The fallout from America rejecting the accord is likely to dominate the talks, with Netanyahu expected to firmly oppose European efforts to sustain it. "I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said on Monday of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security". After years lobbying against the 2015 deal, the decision by close ally Trump to ditch the accord has been greeted as a major triumph by Netanyahu. The Israeli leader has brushed aside European insistence that the agreement is the best option to prevent Tehran getting the bomb, claiming that it, in fact, brought Tehran closer to becoming a nuclear power. He also argues that a cash influx into Iran following the lifting of international sanctions as part of the accord has fuelled the expansion of Tehran's military influence in the region, especially in neighbouring Syria. But while the US retreat from the deal is a personal victory for Netanyahu, it also represents a leap into the unknown for Israel and the broader Middle East. While foes Iran and Israel have been kept at bay for decades, an unprecedented May 10 escalation in Syria that saw Israel bomb alleged Iranian targets after blaming Tehran for a rocket barrage, has sparked fears of open war. "An Iranian departure from southern Syria alone will not suffice," Netanyahu said on Tuesday. "The long-range missiles that Iran is working to station in Syria will endanger us even beyond the range of several kilometres from southern Syria therefore, Iran needs to leave Syria altogether." The Europeans have acknowledged concerns over Iran's regional role and its ballistic activities but sought to maintain the JCPOA while creating a separate arrangement on these issues. Contrary to what the US and Israel say, Europe insists the 2015 agreement works and Iran has abided by it. "There is no alternative," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday. Merkel, May and Macron are still waiting for the Israelis and Americans to present another way to curb Iran's nuclear programme, but are under no illusions it will happen in next week's meetings, according to a European diplomat. Divided on other issues, the Europeans have emphasised their cohesion on the JCPOA, fearing that ripping it up could benefit hardliners in Iran and push Tehran to resume large-scale uranium enrichment. If that happens, the fear is it will once again make striking Iran a real option for Israel. On Thursday, a former Mossad chief said that in 2011 Netanyahu had ordered him and the military chief of staff to prepare an attack on Iran within 15 days. According to Tamir Pardo's interview on the Uvda television programme, such a directive could either mean "he really means it", or be a means to deliver a message, for example to the US, and perhaps drive it to take action. Other major issues look set to be left on the sidelines in the talks with European leaders. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the spotlight after the worst military flare-up in Gaza since a 2014 war raised fears this week of yet another full-blown conflict in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave. The exchange of fire came after scores of Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during protests and clashes along the Gaza border. But along with other subjects, such as bilateral relations or the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, it will likely remain overshadowed by Iran. Expectations of any progress on the conflict with the Palestinians are low. Peace prospects remain as distant as ever and the diplomatic process in limbo as the sides wait for a plan long promised by the Trump administration.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push hard line on Iran during Europe trip

Germany will hold memorial events&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;for five ethnic Turkish victims of a neo-Nazi arson attack 25 years ago, at a time of resurgent xenophobia and simmering bilateral tensions ahead of Turkish elections.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend ceremonies along with Mevlude Genc, 75, who lost two daughters, two granddaughters and a niece in the 1993 house fire in the town of Solingen.

Despite her huge personal loss in one of post-war Germany's most notorious racist hate crimes, which sparked days of rioting, Genc went on to call for reconciliation, for which she later received Germany's highest civilian honour.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, after meeting Genc last Friday, praised her "as a role model for everyone who fights against discrimination, racism and violence" and warned that "the memory of this cruel act must not fade".

Germany has struggled with a new upsurge of racist attacks and far-right activism, including the entry into parliament of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, after an influx of more than one million asylum seekers since 2015.

Turkey's foreign ministry&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;voiced concern that "racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia are on the rise" again in the EU country and called on politicians and media there to "use prudent language".

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel this month received a formal rebuke from the parliamentary speaker for describing immigrants as "headscarf girls, welfare-claiming, knife-wielding men and other good-for-nothings".

While both Germany and Turkey will voice their common sorrow over the tragic deaths, tensions linger between the governments of Merkel and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who faces elections on&nbsp;June 4.

Berlin has barred Turkish politicians from campaigning in the country home to three million ethnic Turks -- the largest diaspora abroad -- some 1.4 million of whom can vote in their ancestral homeland

Several German politicians have cautioned that Cavusoglu must not use the memorial event to campaign for Erdogan's AKP party or deepen divisions in the Turkish-German community

After Erdogan last year slammed Germany's "Nazi-style" ban on Turkish campaign speeches, Berlin imposed a blanket ban on political events by non-EU politicians&nbsp;within three months&nbsp;of elections in their countries.

Police at a Kurdish rally in Cologne last Saturday prohibited two former lawmakers of Turkey's opposition HDP party from addressing the crown.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;reiterated Berlin's position while stressing that Cavusoglu's speech would "not constitute election campaigning but commemorate the victims of this terrible attack".

The issue is highly sensitive, given the horrific nature of the crime a quarter-century ago, and in view of both countries' recent efforts to overcome a rift that deepened especially following Erdogan's crackdown after a failed 2016 coup.

The deadly Solingen blaze was set by four males, aged 16 to 23, from the far-right skinhead subculture that flared in the early 1990s amid an influx of eastern European asylum seekers.

Two women and three girls died, the youngest just four years old, and 14 others including several children suffered injuries.

All perpetrators received maximum jail terms, of 15 years for the adult offenders, and all were released from prison years ago, some early because of good behaviour.

Space where the charred remains of the Genc family house once stood is now a vacant lot where five chestnut trees have been planted to honour the victims.

Merkel, the two foreign ministers and victims' relatives will from 1000 GMT attend a ceremony at the North Rhine-Westphalia state chancellery in Duesseldorf.

From 1400 GMT, Cavusoglu and Maas will join a ceremony in Solingen organised by the town hall, the Genc family, and local Muslim, Christian and civic organisations.

State premier Armin Laschet criticised as "shameful" that the state parliament will not also hold a ceremony in which Cavusoglu could have spoken, saying the focus must be on "remembrance, not political disputes".

Some 400 leftist activists marched in Solingen last Saturday, warning against Germany's newly emboldened far-right.

"Back then they spoke of a 'flood of asylum seekers', today they speak of a 'refugee wave', an equally stupid term," demonstrator Robin Rau told public broadcaster WDR.

"When you look at how the mood was back then and how it is turning again now, I believe it's important to rally in the streets and to speak out against it.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend ceremonies

Germany will hold memorial events on Tuesday for five ethnic Turkish victims of a neo-Nazi arson attack 25 years ago, at a time of resurgent xenophobia and simmering bilateral tensions ahead of Turkish elections. Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend ceremonies along with Mevlude Genc, 75, who lost two daughters, two granddaughters and a niece in the 1993 house fire in the town of Solingen. Despite her huge personal loss in one of post-war Germany's most notorious racist hate crimes, which sparked days of rioting, Genc went on to call for reconciliation, for which she later received Germany's highest civilian honour. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, after meeting Genc last Friday, praised her "as a role model for everyone who fights against discrimination, racism and violence" and warned that "the memory of this cruel act must not fade". Germany has struggled with a new upsurge of racist attacks and far-right activism, including the entry into parliament of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, after an influx of more than one million asylum seekers since 2015. Turkey's foreign ministry Monday voiced concern that "racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia are on the rise" again in the EU country and called on politicians and media there to "use prudent language". AfD co-leader Alice Weidel this month received a formal rebuke from the parliamentary speaker for describing immigrants as "headscarf girls, welfare-claiming, knife-wielding men and other good-for-nothings". While both Germany and Turkey will voice their common sorrow over the tragic deaths, tensions linger between the governments of Merkel and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who faces elections on June 4. Berlin has barred Turkish politicians from campaigning in the country home to three million ethnic Turks -- the largest diaspora abroad -- some 1.4 million of whom can vote in their ancestral homeland Several German politicians have cautioned that Cavusoglu must not use the memorial event to campaign for Erdogan's AKP party or deepen divisions in the Turkish-German community After Erdogan last year slammed Germany's "Nazi-style" ban on Turkish campaign speeches, Berlin imposed a blanket ban on political events by non-EU politicians within three months of elections in their countries. Police at a Kurdish rally in Cologne last Saturday prohibited two former lawmakers of Turkey's opposition HDP party from addressing the crown. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Sunday reiterated Berlin's position while stressing that Cavusoglu's speech would "not constitute election campaigning but commemorate the victims of this terrible attack". The issue is highly sensitive, given the horrific nature of the crime a quarter-century ago, and in view of both countries' recent efforts to overcome a rift that deepened especially following Erdogan's crackdown after a failed 2016 coup. The deadly Solingen blaze was set by four males, aged 16 to 23, from the far-right skinhead subculture that flared in the early 1990s amid an influx of eastern European asylum seekers. Two women and three girls died, the youngest just four years old, and 14 others including several children suffered injuries. All perpetrators received maximum jail terms, of 15 years for the adult offenders, and all were released from prison years ago, some early because of good behaviour. Space where the charred remains of the Genc family house once stood is now a vacant lot where five chestnut trees have been planted to honour the victims. Merkel, the two foreign ministers and victims' relatives will from 1000 GMT attend a ceremony at the North Rhine-Westphalia state chancellery in Duesseldorf. From 1400 GMT, Cavusoglu and Maas will join a ceremony in Solingen organised by the town hall, the Genc family, and local Muslim, Christian and civic organisations. State premier Armin Laschet criticised as "shameful" that the state parliament will not also hold a ceremony in which Cavusoglu could have spoken, saying the focus must be on "remembrance, not political disputes". Some 400 leftist activists marched in Solingen last Saturday, warning against Germany's newly emboldened far-right. "Back then they spoke of a 'flood of asylum seekers', today they speak of a 'refugee wave', an equally stupid term," demonstrator Robin Rau told public broadcaster WDR. "When you look at how the mood was back then and how it is turning again now, I believe it's important to rally in the streets and to speak out against it.

Tense Germany, Turkey mark deadly 1993 neo-Nazi attack

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace.

Uniting under the banner "Stop the hatred", counter-demonstrators say they want to drown out the march by the anti-immigration, anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD).

But AfD members have accused some opponents of threatening to use violence.

The party's "Future of Germany" march, slated to start outside Berlin's main train station at midday (1000 GMT) and end at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, marks the first public show of strength by the nationalist outfit since it became the largest opposition party.

Scheduled to address the crowd are top AfD'ers Joerg Meuthen and Alexander Gauland, who regularly rail against Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to allow in large numbers of mostly Muslim refugees at the height of Europe's migrant crisis.

"We want to show everyone that along with millions of Germans across the country we are worried about Germany's future," Berlin AfD chief Georg Pazderski told a pre-march press conference.

After predicting 10,000 AfD supporters would show up, organisers later scaled back expectations to "at least 2,500 to 5,000".

Pazderski said many still feared being "stigmatised" for showing their AfD colours, even after the party took nearly 13 percent of the vote and won its first seats in the national parliament in last year's elections.&nbsp;

Bass away the AfD

If confirmed, the AfD turnout could be dwarfed by a slate of counter-demos.

The most eye-catching promises to be a huge dance party by over 100 clubs from Berlin's legendary techno scene, who want to use boats on the river Spree and a convoy of trucks to "bass away" the AfD.

"The Berlin club culture is everything that Nazis are not," they said in a statement.

"We are progressive, queer, feminist, anti-racist, inclusive, colourful and we have unicorns."

More than 9,000 dance fans have said they will attend, according to the event's Facebook page.&nbsp;

Thousands of others have vowed to join a mass anti-AfD protest organised by a collection of groups including political parties, unions, student bodies, migrant advocates and civil society organisations.

"We won't leave the streets to the AfD," said Nora Berneis of the "Stop the hatred, stop the AfD" alliance.

Although the vast majority of counter-demonstrators are expected to be peaceful, members of the far-left extremist Antifa movement have on their website called for "chaos", urging sympathisers "to sabotage the AfD rally using all necessary means".

Berlin police said they plan to deploy 2,000 officers, drafted in from across Germany, to prevent clashes and any attempts "to block the right to free speech".

Rape threats

Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro party, the AfD rose to prominence by capitalising on widespread anger over the arrival of over a million asylum seekers in Germany since 2015.

It now holds more than 90 seats in the Bundestag where its presence has changed the tone of debate.

Just this month, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel earned herself a formal rebuke from the parliamentary speaker for describing immigrants as "headscarf girls, welfare-claiming, knife-wielding men and other good-for-nothings".

Merkel's left-right coalition government has responded to the AfD's rise by tightening asylum policies, but the party continues to climb in opinion polls -- exposing the divisions in German society.

In a sign of the simmering tensions, lawmaker Renate Kuenast of the opposition Greens party was deluged with thousands of hateful comments after posting a video online urging people to join Sunday's anti-AfD demos.

The posts included rape threats and calls for her to kill herself.&nbsp;

Kuenast responded with a second Facebook video in which she vowed to file complaints against the worst messages, and said nothing would deter her from marching.

"I am now more than ever calling for people to join us in demonstrating on Sunday," she said.

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace. Uniting under the banner "Stop the hatred", counter-demonstrators say they want to drown out the march by the anti-immigration, anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD). But AfD members have accused some opponents of threatening to use violence. The party's "Future of Germany" march, slated to start outside Berlin's main train station at midday (1000 GMT) and end at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, marks the first public show of strength by the nationalist outfit since it became the largest opposition party. Scheduled to address the crowd are top AfD'ers Joerg Meuthen and Alexander Gauland, who regularly rail against Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to allow in large numbers of mostly Muslim refugees at the height of Europe's migrant crisis. "We want to show everyone that along with millions of Germans across the country we are worried about Germany's future," Berlin AfD chief Georg Pazderski told a pre-march press conference. After predicting 10,000 AfD supporters would show up, organisers later scaled back expectations to "at least 2,500 to 5,000". Pazderski said many still feared being "stigmatised" for showing their AfD colours, even after the party took nearly 13 percent of the vote and won its first seats in the national parliament in last year's elections. Bass away the AfD If confirmed, the AfD turnout could be dwarfed by a slate of counter-demos. The most eye-catching promises to be a huge dance party by over 100 clubs from Berlin's legendary techno scene, who want to use boats on the river Spree and a convoy of trucks to "bass away" the AfD. "The Berlin club culture is everything that Nazis are not," they said in a statement. "We are progressive, queer, feminist, anti-racist, inclusive, colourful and we have unicorns." More than 9,000 dance fans have said they will attend, according to the event's Facebook page. Thousands of others have vowed to join a mass anti-AfD protest organised by a collection of groups including political parties, unions, student bodies, migrant advocates and civil society organisations. "We won't leave the streets to the AfD," said Nora Berneis of the "Stop the hatred, stop the AfD" alliance. Although the vast majority of counter-demonstrators are expected to be peaceful, members of the far-left extremist Antifa movement have on their website called for "chaos", urging sympathisers "to sabotage the AfD rally using all necessary means". Berlin police said they plan to deploy 2,000 officers, drafted in from across Germany, to prevent clashes and any attempts "to block the right to free speech". Rape threats Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro party, the AfD rose to prominence by capitalising on widespread anger over the arrival of over a million asylum seekers in Germany since 2015. It now holds more than 90 seats in the Bundestag where its presence has changed the tone of debate. Just this month, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel earned herself a formal rebuke from the parliamentary speaker for describing immigrants as "headscarf girls, welfare-claiming, knife-wielding men and other good-for-nothings". Merkel's left-right coalition government has responded to the AfD's rise by tightening asylum policies, but the party continues to climb in opinion polls -- exposing the divisions in German society. In a sign of the simmering tensions, lawmaker Renate Kuenast of the opposition Greens party was deluged with thousands of hateful comments after posting a video online urging people to join Sunday's anti-AfD demos. The posts included rape threats and calls for her to kill herself. Kuenast responded with a second Facebook video in which she vowed to file complaints against the worst messages, and said nothing would deter her from marching. "I am now more than ever calling for people to join us in demonstrating on Sunday," she said.

Berlin: Far-right takes to streets to stage anti-government protest

The European Union's top official launched a stinging attack on President Donald Trump, slamming his "capricious assertiveness" and saying the US leader acted more like an enemy than a friend.

EU president Donald Tusk yesterday urged leaders meeting in Bulgaria to form a "united European front" against Trump's withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal and his move to impose trade tariffs on Europe.

Tusk even compared the US administration to Europe's traditional foes Moscow and Beijing as he launched his broadside before a dinner of the 28 leaders in Sofia where they discussed the issue.

"Looking at the latest decisions of President Trump, someone could even think with friends like that, who needs enemies," Tusk told reporters.

"But frankly speaking, Europe should be grateful to President Trump, because thanks to him we have got rid of all illusions. He has made us realise that if you need a helping hand you will find one at the end of your arm."

The transatlantic rift has hijacked the agenda of a summit&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;at which the EU leaders will meet their Balkan counterparts in a bid to foster closer ties and keep Russia out of their backyard.

European ministers met a top Iranian official in Brussels&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;in a bid to save the Iranian nuclear accord after Trump decided to pull out.

Meanwhile, the EU is still trying to win exemptions from tariffs on steel and aluminium exports.

Tusk called for more unity in the divided EU -- which is set to lose Britain as a member next year -- to face the growing challenges.

"Besides the traditional political challenges such as the rise of China or the aggressive stance of Russia, we are witnessing today a new phenomenon: the capricious assertiveness of the American administration," Tusk said.

"I have no doubt that in the new global game, Europe will either be one of the major players, or a pawn. This is the only real alternative."

After the talks, a European source told AFP the leaders agreed on a "united EU approach" on the Iran deal, including continued support for the agreement if Tehran abides by it.

They also agreed to "initiate work to protect European companies negatively affected by the US decision," which involves Washington reimposing sanctions on the Iranian nuclear programme.

"The EU will continue fighting for a rules-based international system despite recent decisions on climate change, tariffs and Iran," the source said after the leaders met over dinner in Sofia.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron -- whose countries are the signatories to the Iran deal along with the US, Russia and China, gave their views on the situation to their colleagues, he said.

Merkel, however&nbsp;said earlier that Europe had no choice but to stick with the ties that have bound it to Washington since World War II.&nbsp;

EU president Donald Tusk yesterday urged leaders meeting in Bulgaria to form a 'united European front' against Trump's withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal and his move to impose trade tariffs on Europe

The European Union's top official launched a stinging attack on President Donald Trump, slamming his "capricious assertiveness" and saying the US leader acted more like an enemy than a friend. EU president Donald Tusk yesterday urged leaders meeting in Bulgaria to form a "united European front" against Trump's withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal and his move to impose trade tariffs on Europe. Tusk even compared the US administration to Europe's traditional foes Moscow and Beijing as he launched his broadside before a dinner of the 28 leaders in Sofia where they discussed the issue. "Looking at the latest decisions of President Trump, someone could even think with friends like that, who needs enemies," Tusk told reporters. "But frankly speaking, Europe should be grateful to President Trump, because thanks to him we have got rid of all illusions. He has made us realise that if you need a helping hand you will find one at the end of your arm." The transatlantic rift has hijacked the agenda of a summit on Thursday at which the EU leaders will meet their Balkan counterparts in a bid to foster closer ties and keep Russia out of their backyard. European ministers met a top Iranian official in Brussels on Tuesday in a bid to save the Iranian nuclear accord after Trump decided to pull out. Meanwhile, the EU is still trying to win exemptions from tariffs on steel and aluminium exports. Tusk called for more unity in the divided EU -- which is set to lose Britain as a member next year -- to face the growing challenges. "Besides the traditional political challenges such as the rise of China or the aggressive stance of Russia, we are witnessing today a new phenomenon: the capricious assertiveness of the American administration," Tusk said. "I have no doubt that in the new global game, Europe will either be one of the major players, or a pawn. This is the only real alternative." After the talks, a European source told AFP the leaders agreed on a "united EU approach" on the Iran deal, including continued support for the agreement if Tehran abides by it. They also agreed to "initiate work to protect European companies negatively affected by the US decision," which involves Washington reimposing sanctions on the Iranian nuclear programme. "The EU will continue fighting for a rules-based international system despite recent decisions on climate change, tariffs and Iran," the source said after the leaders met over dinner in Sofia. British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron -- whose countries are the signatories to the Iran deal along with the US, Russia and China, gave their views on the situation to their colleagues, he said. Merkel, however said earlier that Europe had no choice but to stick with the ties that have bound it to Washington since World War II.

With friends like Trump, who needs enemies: EU chief

Europe needs to do more to end the war in Syria, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday as she received a peace award from Franciscan monks in the birthplace of St. Francis.

Merkel was given the Franciscan order's "Lamp of Peace," joining previous recipients such as former Polish president Lech Walesa, the Dalai Lama, the late Israeli president Shimon Peres and Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos.

In an acceptance speech in the basilica, its walls lined with frescoes by the 13th-century master Giotto, Merkel called Syria "one of the biggest humanitarian tragedies of our time" and said politicians had to work harder to end it.

"This conflict has become a conflict of regional interests, a conflict of religions … and that's why today's award reminds me and many other European leaders that we should be more involved in solving this conflict," she said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, says more than half a million people have been killed in the Syrian war since it erupted seven years ago. About 85 percent of the dead were civilians killed by the forces of the Syrian government and its allies, according to the Observatory.

Speaking of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Merkel said "Those who thought that the end of the Cold War would bring peace to Europe were wrong".

More than 10,000 people have been killed since April 2014 in a conflict that pits Ukrainian forces against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Intermittent clashes continue despite a notional ceasefire and diplomatic peace efforts.

Merkel, the daughter of a Lutheran minister in what was then East Germany, lit a candle on the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th century saint of preached peace and defence of nature.

The head of the Assisi convent, Father Mauro Gambetti, said the Franciscans had decided to give the award to Merkel, who has defended the rights of refugees trying to find a better life in Europe, because of her "commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among peoples."

"This lamp is an inspiration for me. I will keep it on my desk," she said.

Merkel was given the Franciscan order's 'Lamp of Peace,' joining previous recipients such as former Polish president Lech Walesa

Europe needs to do more to end the war in Syria, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday as she received a peace award from Franciscan monks in the birthplace of St. Francis. Merkel was given the Franciscan order's "Lamp of Peace," joining previous recipients such as former Polish president Lech Walesa, the Dalai Lama, the late Israeli president Shimon Peres and Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos. In an acceptance speech in the basilica, its walls lined with frescoes by the 13th-century master Giotto, Merkel called Syria "one of the biggest humanitarian tragedies of our time" and said politicians had to work harder to end it. "This conflict has become a conflict of regional interests, a conflict of religions … and that's why today's award reminds me and many other European leaders that we should be more involved in solving this conflict," she said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, says more than half a million people have been killed in the Syrian war since it erupted seven years ago. About 85 percent of the dead were civilians killed by the forces of the Syrian government and its allies, according to the Observatory. Speaking of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Merkel said "Those who thought that the end of the Cold War would bring peace to Europe were wrong". More than 10,000 people have been killed since April 2014 in a conflict that pits Ukrainian forces against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Intermittent clashes continue despite a notional ceasefire and diplomatic peace efforts. Merkel, the daughter of a Lutheran minister in what was then East Germany, lit a candle on the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th century saint of preached peace and defence of nature. The head of the Assisi convent, Father Mauro Gambetti, said the Franciscans had decided to give the award to Merkel, who has defended the rights of refugees trying to find a better life in Europe, because of her "commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among peoples." "This lamp is an inspiration for me. I will keep it on my desk," she said.

Merkel says Europe should do more to stop Syria war

Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Saturday to attract more women to their ranks or else lose their status as one of Germany's two big popular parties, or 'Volksparteien'.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership above some 25 percent if it wanted to win more than 40 percent of the vote.

"That's why this is not just a question of women who want to make a career, but it is a survival matter for this Volkspartei," she said.

Both the mainstream political blocs - the CDU and their Bavarian allies, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD) - suffered their worst post-war election results in last September's national election - 33 and 21 percent respectively.

Frustration about the influx of more than a million migrants since 2015 propelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) into parliament for the first time.

Merkel, 63, is the CDU's first female leader and the first woman to be German chancellor. Earlier this year, the CDU elected another woman, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is sometimes dubbed 'mini-Merkel', as party general-secretary, putting her in pole position to succeed Merkel as chancellor.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership

Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Saturday to attract more women to their ranks or else lose their status as one of Germany's two big popular parties, or 'Volksparteien'. Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership above some 25 percent if it wanted to win more than 40 percent of the vote. "That's why this is not just a question of women who want to make a career, but it is a survival matter for this Volkspartei," she said. Both the mainstream political blocs - the CDU and their Bavarian allies, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD) - suffered their worst post-war election results in last September's national election - 33 and 21 percent respectively. Frustration about the influx of more than a million migrants since 2015 propelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) into parliament for the first time. Merkel, 63, is the CDU's first female leader and the first woman to be German chancellor. Earlier this year, the CDU elected another woman, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is sometimes dubbed 'mini-Merkel', as party general-secretary, putting her in pole position to succeed Merkel as chancellor.

We must attract more women to survive, Merkel tells her party

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa May's office said in a statement on Sunday.

May had phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel where they agreed the deal may need to be broadened to cover other areas such as ballistic missiles, what happens when the deal expires, and Iran's destabilising regional activity, the statement said.

"They committed to continue working closely together and with the US&nbspon how to tackle the range of challenges that Iran poses – including those issues that a new deal might cover," the statement said.&nbsp

This comes as a deadline looms next month for President Donald Trump to decide on whether to restore US&nbspeconomic sanctions on Tehran.&nbsp

Trump has criticised a 2015 agreement which effectively lifted some Western sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa Ma's office said in a statement on Sundays

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa May's office said in a statement on Sunday. May had phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel where they agreed the deal may need to be broadened to cover other areas such as ballistic missiles, what happens when the deal expires, and Iran's destabilising regional activity, the statement said. "They committed to continue working closely together and with the US&nbspon how to tackle the range of challenges that Iran poses – including those issues that a new deal might cover," the statement said. This comes as a deadline looms next month for President Donald Trump to decide on whether to restore US&nbspeconomic sanctions on Tehran. Trump has criticised a 2015 agreement which effectively lifted some Western sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Britain, France and Germany agree support for Iran nuclear deal

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump aired differences over trade and NATO on Friday at a White House meeting where they tried to put on a show of warmth and friendship despite tensions between the two allies.

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With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump's hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations.

"We had an exchange of views. The decision lies with the president," Merkel told a joint press conference after Trump complained about the US-European trade imbalance, particularly in regards to automobiles.

Merkel's quick trip came the same week as a three-day state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who, like Merkel, pressed Trump on trade and urged him to keep the United States in a multi-national nuclear deal with Iran. Neither leader appeared to make significant progress convincing Trump on either issue.

Merkel said she could see negotiating a bilateral trade deal between the EU and the United States, saying the World Trade Organization has been unable to deliver multilateral agreements.

Trump said he wanted a "reciprocal" trade relationship with Germany and other European nations and wanted Germany and other NATO allies to pay more for their common defence, an issue he has raised repeatedly.

"We need a reciprocal relationship, which we don't have... We're working on it and we want to make it more fair and the chancellor wants to make it more fair," Trump said.

After their last White House meeting drew attention when the two leaders did not shake hands in the Oval Office, Trump made a point of doing just that, twice, while congratulating the German chancellor on her recent election win. They exchanged kisses on the cheek when she first arrived at the White House.

"We have a really great relationship, and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning, but some people didn't understand that," Trump said in the Oval Office, calling Merkel a "very extraordinary woman."

Many differences

Merkel acknowledged that it took a while to form a government after heavy election losses to the far-right, but she said it was important to her to make her first trip out of Europe since establishing her administration to Washington.

The cautious Merkel has not established a particularly strong personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood of her one-day working visit contrasted sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron.

Chemistry aside, Merkel was careful to praise Trump`s progress on North Korea while addressing some of his concerns point by point on defence spending, which she said Berlin was increasing, and German cars, many of which she noted were produced in the United States.

On the Iran nuclear deal, Merkel said it was a first step that had helped reduce nuclear activities and better monitor them but added: "We Germans think it’s not enough to really ensure Iran takes on a role founded in reliability so more is necessary."&nbsp;

Macron made the European position on the Iran nuclear deal clear ahead of Merkel's visit.

On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact.&nbsp;

Trump will decide by May 12 whether to revive US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran. Doing so would be a serious blow to the nuclear deal, which many Western countries sees as essential for stopping Tehran developing a nuclear bomb.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump`s hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump aired differences over trade and NATO on Friday at a White House meeting where they tried to put on a show of warmth and friendship despite tensions between the two allies. × With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump's hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations. "We had an exchange of views. The decision lies with the president," Merkel told a joint press conference after Trump complained about the US-European trade imbalance, particularly in regards to automobiles. Merkel's quick trip came the same week as a three-day state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who, like Merkel, pressed Trump on trade and urged him to keep the United States in a multi-national nuclear deal with Iran. Neither leader appeared to make significant progress convincing Trump on either issue. Merkel said she could see negotiating a bilateral trade deal between the EU and the United States, saying the World Trade Organization has been unable to deliver multilateral agreements. Trump said he wanted a "reciprocal" trade relationship with Germany and other European nations and wanted Germany and other NATO allies to pay more for their common defence, an issue he has raised repeatedly. "We need a reciprocal relationship, which we don't have... We're working on it and we want to make it more fair and the chancellor wants to make it more fair," Trump said. After their last White House meeting drew attention when the two leaders did not shake hands in the Oval Office, Trump made a point of doing just that, twice, while congratulating the German chancellor on her recent election win. They exchanged kisses on the cheek when she first arrived at the White House. "We have a really great relationship, and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning, but some people didn't understand that," Trump said in the Oval Office, calling Merkel a "very extraordinary woman." Many differences Merkel acknowledged that it took a while to form a government after heavy election losses to the far-right, but she said it was important to her to make her first trip out of Europe since establishing her administration to Washington. The cautious Merkel has not established a particularly strong personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood of her one-day working visit contrasted sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron. Chemistry aside, Merkel was careful to praise Trump`s progress on North Korea while addressing some of his concerns point by point on defence spending, which she said Berlin was increasing, and German cars, many of which she noted were produced in the United States. On the Iran nuclear deal, Merkel said it was a first step that had helped reduce nuclear activities and better monitor them but added: "We Germans think it’s not enough to really ensure Iran takes on a role founded in reliability so more is necessary." Macron made the European position on the Iran nuclear deal clear ahead of Merkel's visit. On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact. Trump will decide by May 12 whether to revive US sanctions on Iran. Doing so would be a serious blow to the nuclear deal, which many Western countries sees as essential for stopping Tehran developing a nuclear bomb.

Despite warmth, Merkel and Trump still differ on trade and NATO

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to the United States will have many agendas, some of which will certainly include achieving smoothened ties with her American counterpart and saving the JCPOA. The German foreign ministry once noted that "the biggest priority is maintaining the nuclear accord".

Merkel's US visit closely follows Macron's three-day-long engagement with Donald Trump.&nbsp;

While Merkel identifies Iran's ballistic missile program a "cause for concern" and the deal as something extremely significant, Trump rubbishes the same as "insane" and the "worst deal ever".

Speaking at a joint press conference with Trump on Tuesday in Washington, Macron said that the current Iran nuclear deal was not "sufficient" and a new pact should be worked out. Macron came away from his meetings speculating that Trump would kill the deal, but debate continues to rage.

Trump said Macron's suggestion was "a pretty good idea," yet remained unsure "whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations."

"Because this (the current Iran nuclear deal) (is) a deal with decayed foundations. It`s a bad deal. It`s a bad structure. It`s falling down. Should have never, ever been made," Trump noted.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wNkXrRf2VKM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

In her previous interactions with Donald Trump, Merkel had raised issues related to trade policy, migration and defence spending.

This time around, the German agenda is likely to push Trump to reconsider metal tariffs besides, his 'protectionist'&nbsp;trade policy and the impulse to scrap the Iran nuclear deal.

US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on Thursday said Washington was yet to make "any decision" on tearing up the deal but stressed that some aspects needed to be improved.&nbsp;

Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Tuesday communicated that the country would consider withdrawing from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if Washington tries to scraps the nuke deal.

Merkel is known to have enjoyed better relationships with Trump's predecessors Barack Obama and George Bush. Despite this, she has been vocal about strengthening the strategic alliance between Germany and America.

The Merkel-Trump engagement is certain to spark off disagreements, especially when Germany is definite to bring up trade war and the Iran nuke deal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In her previous interactions with Donald Trump, Merkel had raised issues related to trade policy, migration and defence spending.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to the United States will have many agendas, some of which will certainly include achieving smoothened ties with her American counterpart and saving the JCPOA. The German foreign ministry once noted that "the biggest priority is maintaining the nuclear accord". Merkel's US visit closely follows Macron's three-day-long engagement with Donald Trump. While Merkel identifies Iran's ballistic missile program a "cause for concern" and the deal as something extremely significant, Trump rubbishes the same as "insane" and the "worst deal ever". Speaking at a joint press conference with Trump on Tuesday in Washington, Macron said that the current Iran nuclear deal was not "sufficient" and a new pact should be worked out. Macron came away from his meetings speculating that Trump would kill the deal, but debate continues to rage. Trump said Macron's suggestion was "a pretty good idea," yet remained unsure "whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations." "Because this (the current Iran nuclear deal) (is) a deal with decayed foundations. It`s a bad deal. It`s a bad structure. It`s falling down. Should have never, ever been made," Trump noted. In her previous interactions with Donald Trump, Merkel had raised issues related to trade policy, migration and defence spending. This time around, the German agenda is likely to push Trump to reconsider metal tariffs besides, his 'protectionist' trade policy and the impulse to scrap the Iran nuclear deal. US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on Thursday said Washington was yet to make "any decision" on tearing up the deal but stressed that some aspects needed to be improved. Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Tuesday communicated that the country would consider withdrawing from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if Washington tries to scraps the nuke deal. Merkel is known to have enjoyed better relationships with Trump's predecessors Barack Obama and George Bush. Despite this, she has been vocal about strengthening the strategic alliance between Germany and America. The Merkel-Trump engagement is certain to spark off disagreements, especially when Germany is definite to bring up trade war and the Iran nuke deal.

Merkel's agenda in Washington, 'saving' Iran nuke deal and stalling trade wars

&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said he would discuss the Iran nuclear accord with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their White House meeting on Friday (April 27), as well as trade and other issues.

"I know we're going to have a very good discussion on Iran," Trump told reporters, adding that he did not know whether they would come to any agreement.

Trump also sought to counter the notion of of any tension between him and the German leader.

"We have a really great relationship and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning but some people didn't understand that," Trump said.

During his campaign, Trump criticized Merkel repeatedly, particularly over her decision to allow Syrian refugees into Germany. He also criticized Time Magazine for naming Merkel their 'person of the year' in 2015.

Trump also discussed his upcoming meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong, and said that they were considering two or three possible sites. He added that he would not be "played" by his North Korean counterpart.

US President Donald Trump said he would discuss the Iran nuclear accord with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their White House meeting on Friday (April 27), as well as trade and other issues

US President Donald Trump said he would discuss the Iran nuclear accord with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their White House meeting on Friday (April 27), as well as trade and other issues. "I know we're going to have a very good discussion on Iran," Trump told reporters, adding that he did not know whether they would come to any agreement. Trump also sought to counter the notion of of any tension between him and the German leader. "We have a really great relationship and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning but some people didn't understand that," Trump said. During his campaign, Trump criticized Merkel repeatedly, particularly over her decision to allow Syrian refugees into Germany. He also criticized Time Magazine for naming Merkel their 'person of the year' in 2015. Trump also discussed his upcoming meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong, and said that they were considering two or three possible sites. He added that he would not be "played" by his North Korean counterpart.

We have a really great relationship: Trump on Merkel

Germany's Angela Merkel visits U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday with no illusions of matching his "special relationship" with France's Emmanuel Macron, but hoping to foster a broader dialogue on trade - one of a batch of tricky topics likely to be addressed.

The cautious Merkel has failed to establish a good personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood music of her one-day working visit to the White House will almost certainly contrast sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron.

Yet her trip may prove more productive. Before heading home after a three-day state visit in Washington, Macron acknowledged that, despite his efforts to dissuade Trump from pulling out of the multinational Iran nuclear deal, he remained likely to do so.

The Iran deal, looming U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminium products, a planned Russian gas pipeline running under the Baltic Sea to Germany, and Berlin's military spending are issues that divide Merkel and Trump and likely to come up at their working lunch.

"The chancellor is pleased about this appointment because she is a convinced Atlanticist," a senior German official said. "It is important to cultivate this relationship."

In Washington, a White House official described Germany as one of the United States' closest partners and a steadfast NATO ally, adding: "All of Washington is ready to work with Chancellor Merkel's new government."

Ahead of the trip, German officials said they expected U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminium products to kick in on May 1, when an exemption expires. But they said Germany would try to negotiate a broad package including other industries.

"I think the chancellor would prefer a broad dialogue with the Americans. The government is open to extending the package to other duties and trade barriers," one official added.

In Washington, a White House official said the United States would press Germany about trade deficits that "pose risks to global economic stability", and "would like to remove barriers ... to trade so that we can level the playing field".

"We want to work with Berlin on global unfair trading practices because those are impacting our economies in equal measure," he said.

BURDEN-SHARING

The White House official said Trump would press Merkel to increase Germany's funding for NATO, a subject he has pushed since taking office.

"We will ask Germany to step up on burden-sharing," the official said, adding that NATO needed to be strong and prepared to address a host of major foreign policy issues including Syria, Iran, China and Russia.

In Berlin, the German officials made clear that Merkel was not ready to roll over when faced with Trump's criticism of Germany's trade position or the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

"Our analysis is ... that (the pipeline) does not make us more dependent on Russia," one of the officials said.

EU countries are divided on the merits of Nord Stream 2. Trump could seize on this, as well as Germany's slow progress in moving closer to the NATO defence spending target.

On Iran, Macron made the running ahead of Merkel's visit.

On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact. This gives Merkel something to work with.

"How harshly the whole thing will unfold might depend on to what extent Merkel can steer the conversation in the direction of trade and Iran," Jan Techau, a director at The German Marshall Fund of the United States.

"Those are the fields in which her position is stronger because the Europeans are united and Macron has done the prep work."

The cautious Merkel has failed to establish a good personal rapport with the brash Trump

Germany's Angela Merkel visits U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday with no illusions of matching his "special relationship" with France's Emmanuel Macron, but hoping to foster a broader dialogue on trade - one of a batch of tricky topics likely to be addressed. The cautious Merkel has failed to establish a good personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood music of her one-day working visit to the White House will almost certainly contrast sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron. Yet her trip may prove more productive. Before heading home after a three-day state visit in Washington, Macron acknowledged that, despite his efforts to dissuade Trump from pulling out of the multinational Iran nuclear deal, he remained likely to do so. The Iran deal, looming U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminium products, a planned Russian gas pipeline running under the Baltic Sea to Germany, and Berlin's military spending are issues that divide Merkel and Trump and likely to come up at their working lunch. "The chancellor is pleased about this appointment because she is a convinced Atlanticist," a senior German official said. "It is important to cultivate this relationship." In Washington, a White House official described Germany as one of the United States' closest partners and a steadfast NATO ally, adding: "All of Washington is ready to work with Chancellor Merkel's new government." Ahead of the trip, German officials said they expected U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminium products to kick in on May 1, when an exemption expires. But they said Germany would try to negotiate a broad package including other industries. "I think the chancellor would prefer a broad dialogue with the Americans. The government is open to extending the package to other duties and trade barriers," one official added. In Washington, a White House official said the United States would press Germany about trade deficits that "pose risks to global economic stability", and "would like to remove barriers ... to trade so that we can level the playing field". "We want to work with Berlin on global unfair trading practices because those are impacting our economies in equal measure," he said. BURDEN-SHARING The White House official said Trump would press Merkel to increase Germany's funding for NATO, a subject he has pushed since taking office. "We will ask Germany to step up on burden-sharing," the official said, adding that NATO needed to be strong and prepared to address a host of major foreign policy issues including Syria, Iran, China and Russia. In Berlin, the German officials made clear that Merkel was not ready to roll over when faced with Trump's criticism of Germany's trade position or the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline. "Our analysis is ... that (the pipeline) does not make us more dependent on Russia," one of the officials said. EU countries are divided on the merits of Nord Stream 2. Trump could seize on this, as well as Germany's slow progress in moving closer to the NATO defence spending target. On Iran, Macron made the running ahead of Merkel's visit. On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact. This gives Merkel something to work with. "How harshly the whole thing will unfold might depend on to what extent Merkel can steer the conversation in the direction of trade and Iran," Jan Techau, a director at The German Marshall Fund of the United States. "Those are the fields in which her position is stronger because the Europeans are united and Macron has done the prep work."

Merkel visits Trump without illusions, but with hope

Germany expects US tariffs on European steel and aluminium products to kick in on May 1, a senior government official said before Chancellor Angela Merkel travels to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump on Friday.

Trade will be a major topic for discussion at the meeting, before an exemption from US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports granted to the European Union expires on May 1.

"From today's point of view, one has to expect that the tariffs will come on May 1," the official said, stressing Germany would continue to negotiate to try to get a broad package including other industries. The tariffs would hit Germany's powerful auto sector especially hard.

"I think the chancellor would prefer a broad dialogue with the Americans. The government is open to extending the package to other duties and trade barriers," said the official.

"Whether we succeed on that, we don't know. For that to happen, we would first need the exemption to be delayed for the long term," he said.

Germany's BDI industry association is banking on an agreement with Trump.

"The threatened tariffs are an acid test for the transatlantic relationship," said BDI President Dieter Kempf, adding one in four jobs in Europe's biggest economy depends on exports.

The official argued that as well as exporting vehicles, German firms operate plants in the United States which provide jobs and export cars around the world.

Merkel's one-day working trip follows a three-day state visit to Washington by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Cautious Merkel has failed to establish as strong a rapport with Trump as she did with Barack Obama and the mood music of her visit is likely to contrast sharply with that of Macron's "bromance" with the US president.

IRAN, RUSSIAN GAS

Macron called on the United States not to abandon a multinational Iran nuclear deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing a package that seeks to persuade Trump to save the pact.

Trump has threatened to wreck the 2015 accord, under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of economic sanctions, by reimposing U.S. penalties next month unless the three European allies agree to fix its "flaws".

"The premise of Macron's proposal is that the agreement remains in its existing form and additional elements come on top," another German government official said. "In our view, this agreement should be maintained."

He said add-ons could include issues such as Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in the region.

Trump may try to seize on a planned Russian gas pipeline running under the Baltic Sea to Germany as a bargaining chip.

The United States sees the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which would double the existing pipeline's annual capacity of 55 billion cubic metres, as a threat to Europe’s energy security.

Despite increased tensions between the West and Moscow in the last few weeks, Merkel appears committed to the project. She has, however, conceded that there are political as well as economic factors at stake and has sought to reassure Ukraine which is worried it will lose gas transit revenues.

The German officials argued that Germany, which gets 37 percent of its gas from Russia, was not making itself more dependent on Moscow and that it was trying to get foreign investors to help Ukraine by investing in its pipeline.

"Our analysis is ... that does not make us more dependent on Russia," one of the two officials said.&nbsp

Trade will be a major topic for discussion at the meeting, before an exemption from US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports granted to the European Union expires on May 1.

Germany expects US tariffs on European steel and aluminium products to kick in on May 1, a senior government official said before Chancellor Angela Merkel travels to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump on Friday. Trade will be a major topic for discussion at the meeting, before an exemption from US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports granted to the European Union expires on May 1. "From today's point of view, one has to expect that the tariffs will come on May 1," the official said, stressing Germany would continue to negotiate to try to get a broad package including other industries. The tariffs would hit Germany's powerful auto sector especially hard. "I think the chancellor would prefer a broad dialogue with the Americans. The government is open to extending the package to other duties and trade barriers," said the official. "Whether we succeed on that, we don't know. For that to happen, we would first need the exemption to be delayed for the long term," he said. Germany's BDI industry association is banking on an agreement with Trump. "The threatened tariffs are an acid test for the transatlantic relationship," said BDI President Dieter Kempf, adding one in four jobs in Europe's biggest economy depends on exports. The official argued that as well as exporting vehicles, German firms operate plants in the United States which provide jobs and export cars around the world. Merkel's one-day working trip follows a three-day state visit to Washington by French President Emmanuel Macron. Cautious Merkel has failed to establish as strong a rapport with Trump as she did with Barack Obama and the mood music of her visit is likely to contrast sharply with that of Macron's "bromance" with the US president. IRAN, RUSSIAN GAS Macron called on the United States not to abandon a multinational Iran nuclear deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing a package that seeks to persuade Trump to save the pact. Trump has threatened to wreck the 2015 accord, under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of economic sanctions, by reimposing U.S. penalties next month unless the three European allies agree to fix its "flaws". "The premise of Macron's proposal is that the agreement remains in its existing form and additional elements come on top," another German government official said. "In our view, this agreement should be maintained." He said add-ons could include issues such as Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in the region. Trump may try to seize on a planned Russian gas pipeline running under the Baltic Sea to Germany as a bargaining chip. The United States sees the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which would double the existing pipeline's annual capacity of 55 billion cubic metres, as a threat to Europe’s energy security. Despite increased tensions between the West and Moscow in the last few weeks, Merkel appears committed to the project. She has, however, conceded that there are political as well as economic factors at stake and has sought to reassure Ukraine which is worried it will lose gas transit revenues. The German officials argued that Germany, which gets 37 percent of its gas from Russia, was not making itself more dependent on Moscow and that it was trying to get foreign investors to help Ukraine by investing in its pipeline. "Our analysis is ... that does not make us more dependent on Russia," one of the two officials said.

Ahead of Angela Merkel trip to US, Germany downbeat on trade tariffs

PM Modi arrived in Berlin on Friday night on the German leg of his European tour which included visits to Sweden and UK.

The prime minister met German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the German Chancellery in Berlin. The two heads of the state will sit down for dinner later tonight.

Earlier, the PM Modi joined other heads of government for the leaders' retreat at Windsor Castle, which concluded the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the UK.

The closed-door meetings in Windsor comprised the informal segment of CHOGM, where the leaders meet without any pre-set agenda and without the presence of their close aides.

The retreat marks an end to the week-long summit in Britain, which started on Monday with forums on the theme of business, women, youth and civil society.

Prime Minister Modi addressed the second plenary of the executive session, during which he reiterated India's focus on small island developing nations of the organisation and delivering "demand-driven, rather than donor-driven" assistance to the organisation's smaller member states.

Earlier, the PM Modi joined other heads of government for the leaders' retreat at Windsor Castle

PM Modi arrived in Berlin on Friday night on the German leg of his European tour which included visits to Sweden and UK. The prime minister met German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the German Chancellery in Berlin. The two heads of the state will sit down for dinner later tonight. Earlier, the PM Modi joined other heads of government for the leaders' retreat at Windsor Castle, which concluded the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the UK. The closed-door meetings in Windsor comprised the informal segment of CHOGM, where the leaders meet without any pre-set agenda and without the presence of their close aides. The retreat marks an end to the week-long summit in Britain, which started on Monday with forums on the theme of business, women, youth and civil society. Prime Minister Modi addressed the second plenary of the executive session, during which he reiterated India's focus on small island developing nations of the organisation and delivering "demand-driven, rather than donor-driven" assistance to the organisation's smaller member states.

PM Modi arrives in Berlin, meets German Chancellor Merkel

Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a spirit of compromise on reforming the eurozone at a meeting on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron, who pressed for solidarity among members of the currency union.

Before starting talks, the two leaders said they would present a united front at June meeting of European Union leaders on reforming the 19-member eurozone, which Merkel said they agreed was "not yet sufficiently crisis-proof".

Their meeting took place against a backdrop of grumbling by lawmakers from Merkel`s conservative bloc, who are wary that Macron's call for more solidarity in the eurozone could see German taxpayers` money used to fund profligate member states.

"No monetary union can exist without elements of convergence," the French leader told a news conference with Merkel in the German capital before their talks.

"The most important thing is not to react on such and such instrument at this stage, but to be sure that we share the same goals and to have a joint political objective," he added.

Macron's vision includes turning Europe's existing bailout fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF), to act as a buffer in any future financial crises in the bloc, which was nearly torn apart in a debt crisis that took hold in 2009.

He has also suggested the eurozone have its own finance minister and, at one point, floated the idea of a budget for the currency bloc worth hundreds of billions of euros.

Germany's Social Democrats (SPD), Merkel's junior coalition partner, sympathise with Macron's call for solidarity. They want him to be rewarded for efforts to reform the French economy, well aware that a big chunk of French voters remain susceptible to far-right and far-left populists sceptical about the EU.

But Merkel's larger conservative bloc insists on what they call the principle of 'liability', whereby individual member states carry responsibility for their own economic risks.&nbsp

Stressing the need for compromise, Merkel said solidarity and liability must be linked: "We need debates, open debates, and in the end we also need the ability to compromise."

France and Germany, which account for around 50 percent of eurozone output, are essential to the reform drive. But while they often put on a strong show of political unity and shared intent, the devil is frequently in the detail.

Underlining a sense of urgency for reform among EU officials, European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici said time is running out for deepening the integration of the eurozone.

"We are some way from reaching a consensus on the priorities and method for moving the euro area forward, and time is running out," Moscovici said in a speech at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

"If the June Euro Summit fails to take the necessary decisions, I fear the momentum will be lost," he said. 
&nbsp

Macron's vision includes turning Europe`s existing bailout fund into a European Monetary Fund

Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a spirit of compromise on reforming the eurozone at a meeting on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron, who pressed for solidarity among members of the currency union. Before starting talks, the two leaders said they would present a united front at June meeting of European Union leaders on reforming the 19-member eurozone, which Merkel said they agreed was "not yet sufficiently crisis-proof". Their meeting took place against a backdrop of grumbling by lawmakers from Merkel`s conservative bloc, who are wary that Macron's call for more solidarity in the eurozone could see German taxpayers` money used to fund profligate member states. "No monetary union can exist without elements of convergence," the French leader told a news conference with Merkel in the German capital before their talks. "The most important thing is not to react on such and such instrument at this stage, but to be sure that we share the same goals and to have a joint political objective," he added. Macron's vision includes turning Europe's existing bailout fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF), to act as a buffer in any future financial crises in the bloc, which was nearly torn apart in a debt crisis that took hold in 2009. He has also suggested the eurozone have its own finance minister and, at one point, floated the idea of a budget for the currency bloc worth hundreds of billions of euros. Germany's Social Democrats (SPD), Merkel's junior coalition partner, sympathise with Macron's call for solidarity. They want him to be rewarded for efforts to reform the French economy, well aware that a big chunk of French voters remain susceptible to far-right and far-left populists sceptical about the EU. But Merkel's larger conservative bloc insists on what they call the principle of 'liability', whereby individual member states carry responsibility for their own economic risks. Stressing the need for compromise, Merkel said solidarity and liability must be linked: "We need debates, open debates, and in the end we also need the ability to compromise." France and Germany, which account for around 50 percent of eurozone output, are essential to the reform drive. But while they often put on a strong show of political unity and shared intent, the devil is frequently in the detail. Underlining a sense of urgency for reform among EU officials, European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici said time is running out for deepening the integration of the eurozone. "We are some way from reaching a consensus on the priorities and method for moving the euro area forward, and time is running out," Moscovici said in a speech at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington. "If the June Euro Summit fails to take the necessary decisions, I fear the momentum will be lost," he said.

Merkel urges compromise, Macron wants solidarity on euro zone reforms

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20.

The external affairs ministry said that PM Modi would be making the stopover on April 20 "at the suggestion of" the German Chancellor.

"At the suggestion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making a brief stopover in Berlin on April 20 after completing his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdom."

During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Merkel and both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and global issues.

This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Chancellor Merkel began her fourth term on March 14 this year.&nbsp

The visit demonstrates the commitment by the two countries to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges.&nbsp

PM Modi will visit Sweden and Britain from April 16 to 20 with the aim of boosting bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment. The Sweden leg of his visit will be on April 16-17. Later, he will travel to the United Kingdom.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Prime Ministers of all Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will attend the summit. 
&nbsp

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20. The external affairs ministry said that PM Modi would be making the stopover on April 20 "at the suggestion of" the German Chancellor. "At the suggestion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making a brief stopover in Berlin on April 20 after completing his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdom." During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Merkel and both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and global issues. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Chancellor Merkel began her fourth term on March 14 this year. The visit demonstrates the commitment by the two countries to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges. PM Modi will visit Sweden and Britain from April 16 to 20 with the aim of boosting bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment. The Sweden leg of his visit will be on April 16-17. Later, he will travel to the United Kingdom. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Prime Ministers of all Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will attend the summit.

PM Modi to make stopover in Germany on 'suggestion' of Angela Merkel

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN&nbspSecurity Council action on the war.

Officials from Germany, France, Britain and the United States will meet in London on Sunday to discuss the next steps following coordinated Western air strikes against Syria early on Saturday, he said.

He said the initiative was also being discussed by the NATO council that met in Brussels on Saturday, and European Union foreign ministers would debate further concrete measures to address the crisis in Syria on Monday.

"We will work together with France for the creation of an international format of influential states that can provide new momentum for the political process," said Maas, a member of the Social Democrats, junior partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-left coalition government.

Germany did not participate in the air strikes, but backed them as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons, Merkel said on Saturday.

Maas said Germany would use all diplomatic means to seek an end to the seven-year war, and the destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.

He echoed criticism of Russia made earlier by Merkel and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, but said Berlin would leverage its bilateral ties with Moscow to ensure Russia adopted a "constructive" stance on the issue.

Germany, which relies on Russia for about a third of the gas it uses, has long walked a careful line with Moscow -- at once pushing for continued sanctions for its annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, while also maintaining dialogue and trade relations.

"Whether we like it or not, without Russia, the political process will not succeed," Maas said.

Maas has generally struck a tougher tone toward Moscow than his predecessor Sigmar Gabriel, following a poison attack in Britain on retired double agent Sergei Skripal and a cyber attack on German government networks -- two incidents that intelligence officials say emanated from Russia.

Moscow denies any involvement in either case.

Maas said it was critical to first achieve a lasting, nationwide ceasefire in Syria, along with humanitarian access, but the next step would be to negotiate a lasting solution that addresses the legitimate interests of the Syrian people.

"The key milestones will be creation of a transition government, a constitutional reform and elections," he said.

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN Security Council action on the war

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN&nbspSecurity Council action on the war. Officials from Germany, France, Britain and the United States will meet in London on Sunday to discuss the next steps following coordinated Western air strikes against Syria early on Saturday, he said. He said the initiative was also being discussed by the NATO council that met in Brussels on Saturday, and European Union foreign ministers would debate further concrete measures to address the crisis in Syria on Monday. "We will work together with France for the creation of an international format of influential states that can provide new momentum for the political process," said Maas, a member of the Social Democrats, junior partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-left coalition government. Germany did not participate in the air strikes, but backed them as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons, Merkel said on Saturday. Maas said Germany would use all diplomatic means to seek an end to the seven-year war, and the destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. He echoed criticism of Russia made earlier by Merkel and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, but said Berlin would leverage its bilateral ties with Moscow to ensure Russia adopted a "constructive" stance on the issue. Germany, which relies on Russia for about a third of the gas it uses, has long walked a careful line with Moscow -- at once pushing for continued sanctions for its annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, while also maintaining dialogue and trade relations. "Whether we like it or not, without Russia, the political process will not succeed," Maas said. Maas has generally struck a tougher tone toward Moscow than his predecessor Sigmar Gabriel, following a poison attack in Britain on retired double agent Sergei Skripal and a cyber attack on German government networks -- two incidents that intelligence officials say emanated from Russia. Moscow denies any involvement in either case. Maas said it was critical to first achieve a lasting, nationwide ceasefire in Syria, along with humanitarian access, but the next step would be to negotiate a lasting solution that addresses the legitimate interests of the Syrian people. "The key milestones will be creation of a transition government, a constitutional reform and elections," he said.

Germany says will push for new international effort to end war in Syria

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

"We support the fact that our American, British and French allies have taken responsibility in this way as permanent members of the UN&nbspSecurity Council," Merkel said.

Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria.

Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons. "We support the fact that our American, British and French allies have taken responsibility in this way as permanent members of the UN&nbspSecurity Council," Merkel said. Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria.

Germany's Merkel backs air strikes on Syria as 'necessary and appropriate'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that plans for a controversial second underwater pipeline to bring gas from Russia could not go forward without Ukrainian involvement in overland transit.

After months of tension with eastern neighbours and the European Commission over the so-called Nord Stream 2 project, Merkel's concession to Kiev's grave concerns marks a striking shift in policy.

"A Nord Stream 2 project without clarity about the Ukrainian transit role is not possible," Merkel said, after talks in Berlin with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

The German leader said the pipeline plans, which have long thrown a wrench in bilateral ties, had played a big role in their discussions.

Merkel, who had previously called Nord Stream 2 a purely "economic project", admitted Tuesday there were "political factors that must be taken into account".

She added that in her talks with Poroshenko, "I listened closely to the concerns of Ukraine".

"The fact is that we cannot allow that, with Nord Stream 2, Ukraine would have no significance at all any more with regard to gas transit," Merkel told reporters at a joint press conference.&nbsp

She noted that while there would "always be dependence on Russian gas", Ukraine relied heavily on income from transit fees.&nbsp

"We never raised the question of stopping Ukraine transit," chief executive of Russian state gas company Gazprom Alexei Miller responded later Tuesday.

Between 10 and 15 million cubic metres per year could still reach Europe via Ukraine in future, he added -- although "the Ukrainian side must prove the economic expediency of a new transit contract".

15 billion cubic metres annually would represent a fraction of the gas volume that Russia hopes to supply to Europe by routes bypassing Ukraine once the existing transit contract expires in 2019.

Nord Stream's twin pipelines are slated to bring in 55 billion cubic metres per year, with a further 31.5 billion delivered via the dual Turkstream pipeline through Turkey.

In 2017, some 93.5 billion cubic metres of Russian gas transited Ukraine bound for Europe.

'Extremely unreliable partner'&nbsp

In an interview with German business daily Handelsblatt on Monday, Poroshenko urged Berlin to abandon plans to build Nord Stream 2, saying it would enable an "economic and energy blockade" against Ukraine and blasting it as "political bribe money for loyalty to Russia".

Authorities in Germany issued the final permits needed for construction of Nord Stream 2 on its territory and in its waters to begin last month, although other nations' green lights are still needed.

But "the Ukrainian transit pipeline is much cheaper and can be modernised cheaply and easily," Poroshenko insisted in the Handelsblatt interview.

He accused Russia of being an "extremely unreliable partner" in energy provision, pointing to state-owned energy firm Gazprom's refusal to pay Ukraine billions of euros after shutting off gas supplies in the middle of winter.

Ukraine has also urged sanctions against former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder over his vocal support of the Russian government and $500,000-a-year job on the board of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft, calling him "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's most important lobbyist".

&nbsp'Question our solidarity'

Gazprom accounts for around one third of Europe's gas supply.

Less and less gas has arrived via Ukraine in recent years, after Moscow's conflict with its former satellite which saw Russia annex the Crimean peninsula in 2014 -- prompting EU sanctions in response.

The pipeline project has also proved a bone of contention within Germany.

A rare cross-party alliance of high-ranking German politicians warned in February against allowing Nord Stream 2 to go ahead.

It would "split the EU politically and call into question our solidarity with Poland, our Baltic neighbours, Slovakia and Ukraine, but also Sweden and Denmark," they wrote.

During a visit to Berlin in February, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki cautioned that a single gas producer -- Russia -- must "not be allowed to have a monopoly and force its prices on the European Union".

During their press conference, both Merkel and Poroshenko denounced repeated violations of a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, with Merkel calling progress in reducing tensions "limited". &nbsp

The armed conflict between the Ukrainian army and Russian-backed rebels has claimed more than 10,000 lives since its outbreak in 2014.

Kiev and the West accuse Russia of supporting the separatists by deploying troops and arms, which Moscow denies despite evidence to the contrary.&nbsp

A string of ceasefire deals have helped to reduce the violence but nevertheless sporadic clashes still erupt between the warring sides.

After months of tension with eastern neighbours and the European Commission over the so-called Nord Stream 2 project, Merkel's concession to Kiev's grave concerns marks a striking shift in policy

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that plans for a controversial second underwater pipeline to bring gas from Russia could not go forward without Ukrainian involvement in overland transit. After months of tension with eastern neighbours and the European Commission over the so-called Nord Stream 2 project, Merkel's concession to Kiev's grave concerns marks a striking shift in policy. "A Nord Stream 2 project without clarity about the Ukrainian transit role is not possible," Merkel said, after talks in Berlin with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The German leader said the pipeline plans, which have long thrown a wrench in bilateral ties, had played a big role in their discussions. Merkel, who had previously called Nord Stream 2 a purely "economic project", admitted Tuesday there were "political factors that must be taken into account". She added that in her talks with Poroshenko, "I listened closely to the concerns of Ukraine". "The fact is that we cannot allow that, with Nord Stream 2, Ukraine would have no significance at all any more with regard to gas transit," Merkel told reporters at a joint press conference. She noted that while there would "always be dependence on Russian gas", Ukraine relied heavily on income from transit fees. "We never raised the question of stopping Ukraine transit," chief executive of Russian state gas company Gazprom Alexei Miller responded later Tuesday. Between 10 and 15 million cubic metres per year could still reach Europe via Ukraine in future, he added -- although "the Ukrainian side must prove the economic expediency of a new transit contract". 15 billion cubic metres annually would represent a fraction of the gas volume that Russia hopes to supply to Europe by routes bypassing Ukraine once the existing transit contract expires in 2019. Nord Stream's twin pipelines are slated to bring in 55 billion cubic metres per year, with a further 31.5 billion delivered via the dual Turkstream pipeline through Turkey. In 2017, some 93.5 billion cubic metres of Russian gas transited Ukraine bound for Europe. 'Extremely unreliable partner' In an interview with German business daily Handelsblatt on Monday, Poroshenko urged Berlin to abandon plans to build Nord Stream 2, saying it would enable an "economic and energy blockade" against Ukraine and blasting it as "political bribe money for loyalty to Russia". Authorities in Germany issued the final permits needed for construction of Nord Stream 2 on its territory and in its waters to begin last month, although other nations' green lights are still needed. But "the Ukrainian transit pipeline is much cheaper and can be modernised cheaply and easily," Poroshenko insisted in the Handelsblatt interview. He accused Russia of being an "extremely unreliable partner" in energy provision, pointing to state-owned energy firm Gazprom's refusal to pay Ukraine billions of euros after shutting off gas supplies in the middle of winter. Ukraine has also urged sanctions against former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder over his vocal support of the Russian government and $500,000-a-year job on the board of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft, calling him "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's most important lobbyist". 'Question our solidarity' Gazprom accounts for around one third of Europe's gas supply. Less and less gas has arrived via Ukraine in recent years, after Moscow's conflict with its former satellite which saw Russia annex the Crimean peninsula in 2014 -- prompting EU sanctions in response. The pipeline project has also proved a bone of contention within Germany. A rare cross-party alliance of high-ranking German politicians warned in February against allowing Nord Stream 2 to go ahead. It would "split the EU politically and call into question our solidarity with Poland, our Baltic neighbours, Slovakia and Ukraine, but also Sweden and Denmark," they wrote. During a visit to Berlin in February, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki cautioned that a single gas producer -- Russia -- must "not be allowed to have a monopoly and force its prices on the European Union". During their press conference, both Merkel and Poroshenko denounced repeated violations of a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, with Merkel calling progress in reducing tensions "limited". The armed conflict between the Ukrainian army and Russian-backed rebels has claimed more than 10,000 lives since its outbreak in 2014. Kiev and the West accuse Russia of supporting the separatists by deploying troops and arms, which Moscow denies despite evidence to the contrary. A string of ceasefire deals have helped to reduce the violence but nevertheless sporadic clashes still erupt between the warring sides.

No Russia-German pipeline plan without Ukraine role: Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday criticised Turkey&#39;s military offensive in Syria&#39;s Afrin. Merkel also condemned the ongoing attacks by Syrian forces in eastern Ghouta, near Damascus.

The German government condemned the air strikes on eastern Ghouta &quot;in the strongest terms&quot;, Merkel spoke in the Bundestag lower house of parliament. She lashed out at the Bashar al-Assad-led forces and blamed Russia for &quot;just watching&quot; the events unfold.

She described Turkey&#39;s actions as unacceptable despite its security interests. &quot;I&#39;m also condemning this in the strongest terms,&quot; Merkel added.

Meanwhile, Turkey and the United States have reached an understanding, but not full agreement, about stabilising the town of Manbij and other areas of Kurdish-controlled northern Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday.

Turkey, which on Sunday stormed the northern Syrian town of Afrin after a two-month offensive against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, has repeatedly threatened to push its operations further east to Manbij where US troops are stationed.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Merkel described Turkey's actions as unacceptable despite its security interests.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday criticised Turkey's military offensive in Syria's Afrin. Merkel also condemned the ongoing attacks by Syrian forces in eastern Ghouta, near Damascus. The German government condemned the air strikes on eastern Ghouta "in the strongest terms", Merkel spoke in the Bundestag lower house of parliament. She lashed out at the Bashar al-Assad-led forces and blamed Russia for "just watching" the events unfold. She described Turkey's actions as unacceptable despite its security interests. "I'm also condemning this in the strongest terms," Merkel added. Meanwhile, Turkey and the United States have reached an understanding, but not full agreement, about stabilising the town of Manbij and other areas of Kurdish-controlled northern Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday. Turkey, which on Sunday stormed the northern Syrian town of Afrin after a two-month offensive against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, has repeatedly threatened to push its operations further east to Manbij where US troops are stationed. (With inputs from Reuters)

Merkel 'strongly condemns' Turkish military offensive in Afrin

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