A car crashed into the gate of the office of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Wednesday. Berlin Police has arrested a man who drove his car into the gates German chancellery.

Car crashes into gates of German chancellery, driver taken into custody

Angela Merkel considered as the most powerful female leader in the world has completed the 15 years as Germany's chancellor and become the second leader in Germany to complete a term of 15 years.

'Angela Merkel' world's most powerful female leader marks 15 years in power

Germany on Friday charged 12&nbsp;men with plotting well-funded, armed attacks on mosques in which they planned to kill or injure as many Muslims as possible.

German prosecutors said in a statement&nbsp;"They aimed through attacks on mosques and the killing and wounding of as many Muslims as possible to create civil war-like conditions."

The suspects, 11 gang members, and one accomplice had met regularly to plan, with all but one of them pledging to contribute thousands towards a $59,000&nbsp;pot to finance the purchase of weapons.

It comes as the&nbsp;European Union ministers agreed to reinforce security at the bloc's external borders and to impose tougher controls on violent extremism online.

The suspects, aged between 31 and 61, are all Germans, and all but one of them has been detained. The twelfth is still at large, prosecutors in the southeastern city of Stuttgart said.

Another suspect had died while in custody. A prosecution official said he had killed himself and that there was nothing to indicate foul play.

The official said cash sums in the "mid-four-digit range" had been found in suspects' houses.

Germany&nbsp;has experienced a spate of right-wing attacks in recent years directed at minorities and those perceived to support them.

Members of the so-called National Socialist Underground were convicted in 2018 for a decade-long spree of murders of ethnic Turks. Last year, another right-wing extremist targeted a synagogue in Eastern&nbsp;Germany, killing two bystanders.

A suspected far-right sympathiser is on trial for killing conservative politician Walter Luebcke. Luebcke, a vocal supporter of Chancellor Angela Merkel, had called for refugees to be given the support and welcome they needed during the 2015 refugee crisis.

Far-right sympathisers have also been unmasked in the police and armed forces.

Far-right extremism is particularly sensitive in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;because of its responsibility for the Nazis' World War Two genocide of six million European Jews.

Germany on Friday charged 12 men with plotting well-funded, armed attacks on mosques in which they planned to kill or injure as many Muslims as possible. German prosecutors said in a statement "They aimed through attacks on mosques and the killing and wounding of as many Muslims as possible to create civil war-like conditions.

Germany on Friday charged 12 men with plotting well-funded, armed attacks on mosques in which they planned to kill or injure as many Muslims as possible. German prosecutors said in a statement "They aimed through attacks on mosques and the killing and wounding of as many Muslims as possible to create civil war-like conditions." The suspects, 11 gang members, and one accomplice had met regularly to plan, with all but one of them pledging to contribute thousands towards a $59,000 pot to finance the purchase of weapons. It comes as the European Union ministers agreed to reinforce security at the bloc's external borders and to impose tougher controls on violent extremism online. The suspects, aged between 31 and 61, are all Germans, and all but one of them has been detained. The twelfth is still at large, prosecutors in the southeastern city of Stuttgart said. Another suspect had died while in custody. A prosecution official said he had killed himself and that there was nothing to indicate foul play. The official said cash sums in the "mid-four-digit range" had been found in suspects' houses. Germany has experienced a spate of right-wing attacks in recent years directed at minorities and those perceived to support them. Members of the so-called National Socialist Underground were convicted in 2018 for a decade-long spree of murders of ethnic Turks. Last year, another right-wing extremist targeted a synagogue in Eastern Germany, killing two bystanders. A suspected far-right sympathiser is on trial for killing conservative politician Walter Luebcke. Luebcke, a vocal supporter of Chancellor Angela Merkel, had called for refugees to be given the support and welcome they needed during the 2015 refugee crisis. Far-right sympathisers have also been unmasked in the police and armed forces. Far-right extremism is particularly sensitive in Germany because of its responsibility for the Nazis' World War Two genocide of six million European Jews.

Germany charges 12 for plotting mosque attacks, murders

Germany's government on Friday said that Russia's sanctions plan related to Putin's critic Alexei Navalny is ''unjustified''.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said&nbsp;"Russia has all the means at its disposal to get to the bottom of this crime and instead it levels sanctions against officials of other states."

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Seibert called the punitive measures "unjustified and inappropriate", saying that Russia was "disregarding the international interest in solving this case".&nbsp;

It comes after Russia's decision to&nbsp;impose retaliatory sanctions on German and French officials over the poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had said on Thursday that&nbsp;Navalny, who fell ill on a flight in Siberia on August&nbsp;20 and was airlifted to Berlin for treatment, could have been poisoned in Germany or on the plane to Berlin.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-poisoning-russian-police-says-putin-critic-fell-ill-due-to-metabolic-problems-and-pancreatitis-341134">Navalny poisoning: Russian police says Putin critic fell ill due to metabolic problems and pancreatitis</a>

Navalny collapsed on a flight in Russia in August and was transported to Germany where experts concluded he was poisoned with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok.

The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner&nbsp;has said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the poisoning, while the Kremlin has strenuously denied involvement and accused Germany of refusing to cooperate in an investigation.

Lavrov on Thursday added without providing evidence that Moscow had "reason to believe" the nerve agent could have entered Navalny's system during the flight to Berlin's Charite hospital or while he was in Germany.

Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh called the suggestion that Navalny was poisoned in Germany "the most idiotic of them all".

Doctors who treated Navalny before he was flown to Berlin said last week that he had not been poisoned but instead was suffering from metabolic issues and pancreatitis.

Navalny remains in Germany for treatment but has vowed to return to Russia after making a full recovery.

Germany's government on Friday said that Russia's sanctions plan related to Putin's critic Alexei Navalny is ''unjustified''. Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said "Russia has all the means at its disposal to get to the bottom of this crime and instead it levels sanctions against officials of other states.

Germany's government on Friday said that Russia's sanctions plan related to Putin's critic Alexei Navalny is ''unjustified''. Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said "Russia has all the means at its disposal to get to the bottom of this crime and instead it levels sanctions against officials of other states." Seibert called the punitive measures "unjustified and inappropriate", saying that Russia was "disregarding the international interest in solving this case". It comes after Russia's decision to impose retaliatory sanctions on German and French officials over the poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had said on Thursday that Navalny, who fell ill on a flight in Siberia on August 20 and was airlifted to Berlin for treatment, could have been poisoned in Germany or on the plane to Berlin. Also read| Navalny poisoning: Russian police says Putin critic fell ill due to metabolic problems and pancreatitis Navalny collapsed on a flight in Russia in August and was transported to Germany where experts concluded he was poisoned with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok. The 44-year-old anti-graft campaigner has said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the poisoning, while the Kremlin has strenuously denied involvement and accused Germany of refusing to cooperate in an investigation. Lavrov on Thursday added without providing evidence that Moscow had "reason to believe" the nerve agent could have entered Navalny's system during the flight to Berlin's Charite hospital or while he was in Germany. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh called the suggestion that Navalny was poisoned in Germany "the most idiotic of them all". Doctors who treated Navalny before he was flown to Berlin said last week that he had not been poisoned but instead was suffering from metabolic issues and pancreatitis. Navalny remains in Germany for treatment but has vowed to return to Russia after making a full recovery.

Russia's sanctions plan related to Navalny 'unjustified', says Germany

Europe is where history is shaped. It was at the forefront of two World Wars where satellite states fought for Cold War supremacy. Now, &nbsp;it is once again heading for battle against Islamist terrorism.

The recent attacks in Vienna and Paris were a wake-up call. Europe already has a common market and currency, what it needs now is a common anti-terrorism policy. France is leading the effort as President Macron hosted a special video summit.

It was attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council chief Charles Michel, Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz and EU commission head Ursula von Der Leyen.

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The leaders discussed an EU-wide response to Islamist terror and a robust centralised mechanism. There are already indications of what it could look like with border control measures at the top of the agenda.

Macron wants Europe to rethink its open border policy. He wants more protection at the external frontiers - a position backed by the Austrian chancellor.

"There needs to be effective protection of the EU outer borders, only when we, as the European Union decide who can come in and who can't only then will we be able to ensure safe borders within the Schengen area so this is a critical point," Sebastian Kurz.

Coordinated policing is another possibility as countries in Europe mull a new system where intelligence can be shared seamlessly and security agencies can constantly exchange information on radical elements.

It will be crucial to prevent future attacks.

"We certainly must make sure that our intelligence services, security services can exchange information in a fluid and permanent way in order to prevent as much as possible these (terror) actions. We must also certainly try to act on internet platforms to withdraw terror-related content as fast as possible," Charles Michel, European Council president, said.

EU leaders are set to hold a video summit, originally the summit was intended to address Europe's second wave of COVID-19 but terrorism is expected to dominate proceedings. It will be another test of the much-hyped "EU solidarity" principle but unlike Brexit or trade, the stakes are much higher this time.

In 2001, US President George Bush had declared a war on terror, 19 years later, Islamist terrorism continues to remain a global challenge.

Europe is where history is shaped. It was at the forefront of two World Wars where satellite states fought for Cold War supremacy. Now, it is once again heading for battle against Islamist terrorism.

Europe is where history is shaped. It was at the forefront of two World Wars where satellite states fought for Cold War supremacy. Now, it is once again heading for battle against Islamist terrorism. The recent attacks in Vienna and Paris were a wake-up call. Europe already has a common market and currency, what it needs now is a common anti-terrorism policy. France is leading the effort as President Macron hosted a special video summit. It was attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council chief Charles Michel, Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz and EU commission head Ursula von Der Leyen. The leaders discussed an EU-wide response to Islamist terror and a robust centralised mechanism. There are already indications of what it could look like with border control measures at the top of the agenda. Macron wants Europe to rethink its open border policy. He wants more protection at the external frontiers - a position backed by the Austrian chancellor. "There needs to be effective protection of the EU outer borders, only when we, as the European Union decide who can come in and who can't only then will we be able to ensure safe borders within the Schengen area so this is a critical point," Sebastian Kurz. Coordinated policing is another possibility as countries in Europe mull a new system where intelligence can be shared seamlessly and security agencies can constantly exchange information on radical elements. It will be crucial to prevent future attacks. "We certainly must make sure that our intelligence services, security services can exchange information in a fluid and permanent way in order to prevent as much as possible these (terror) actions. We must also certainly try to act on internet platforms to withdraw terror-related content as fast as possible," Charles Michel, European Council president, said. EU leaders are set to hold a video summit, originally the summit was intended to address Europe's second wave of COVID-19 but terrorism is expected to dominate proceedings. It will be another test of the much-hyped "EU solidarity" principle but unlike Brexit or trade, the stakes are much higher this time. In 2001, US President George Bush had declared a war on terror, 19 years later, Islamist terrorism continues to remain a global challenge.

There needs to be effective protection of EU outer borders, says Sebastian Kurz

A few hours after a group of terrorists open fired in the streets of Vienna at six different locations, the&nbsp;German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered condolences to the victims and the ailing country.

While condemning the attack, Merkel offered support to the fellow European country and said "Islamist terror is our common enemy" to show solidarity with the Vienna.

"The fight against these assassins and those who instigate them is our common struggle," Merkel's spokesperson tweeted, adding: "solidarity" with Austria.

Also watch|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cctv-witness-footage-show-terrorist-suspect-open-fire-in-vienna-340048">&nbsp;CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna</a>

Minutes after Merkel issued the statement, Germany started tightening its security along the borders of Austria. The local authorities are now stopping every vehicle and passerby through the border that the country shares with Austria.

The security has been beefed up after the Vienna police announced that at least one shooter is still at large. the two countries have come together and launched a massive manhunt. Tightened controls at the border is now a "tactical priority" for the federal police force, a spokesman for German federal police said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-shooting-at-least-3-dead-15-injured-after-terrorists-open-fire-339973" hreflang="en">Vienna shooting: At least 3 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire</a>

This statement came after a group of gunmen started shooting at the people in the streets of Vienna around 8pm on six different locations.&nbsp;"I am glad that our police were able to neutralize one of the attackers,'' Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. "We will not never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and will fight these attacks with all means.''

Meanwhile, the French president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaida-threatens-emmanuel-macron-as-france-kills-50-jihadists-in-mali-340052">Emmanuel Macron</a> has received a threat from Al-Qaeda. "Killing anyone who insults the prophet is the right of each and every Muslim," the terror group, the terror group that is known by its French acronym AQMI, said in a statement.

A few hours after a group of terrorists open fired in the streets of Vienna at six different locations, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered condolences to the victims and the ailing country.

A few hours after a group of terrorists open fired in the streets of Vienna at six different locations, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered condolences to the victims and the ailing country. While condemning the attack, Merkel offered support to the fellow European country and said "Islamist terror is our common enemy" to show solidarity with the Vienna. "The fight against these assassins and those who instigate them is our common struggle," Merkel's spokesperson tweeted, adding: "solidarity" with Austria. Also watch| CCTV, witness footage show terrorist suspect open fire in Vienna Minutes after Merkel issued the statement, Germany started tightening its security along the borders of Austria. The local authorities are now stopping every vehicle and passerby through the border that the country shares with Austria. The security has been beefed up after the Vienna police announced that at least one shooter is still at large. the two countries have come together and launched a massive manhunt. Tightened controls at the border is now a "tactical priority" for the federal police force, a spokesman for German federal police said. Also read| Vienna shooting: At least 3 dead, 15 injured after terrorists open fire This statement came after a group of gunmen started shooting at the people in the streets of Vienna around 8pm on six different locations. "I am glad that our police were able to neutralize one of the attackers,'' Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. "We will not never allow ourselves to be intimidated by terrorism and will fight these attacks with all means.'' Meanwhile, the French president Emmanuel Macron has received a threat from Al-Qaeda. "Killing anyone who insults the prophet is the right of each and every Muslim," the terror group, the terror group that is known by its French acronym AQMI, said in a statement.

'Islamist terror is our common enemy': Germany's Angela Merkel offers condolence to Vienna

An iconic German pub called 'Ständige Vertretung' has banned&nbsp;Chancellor Angela Merkel and other&nbsp;officials behind the country’s month-long partial lockdown.

To curb the spike in&nbsp;Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has ordered a round of shutdowns from Monday until the end of the month.

The pub expressed its anger through a Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/staevberlin/posts/10158631036858260">post</a>, which it later deleted, saying ''the government has failed to prepare the country for the second wave of the disease, unlike many restaurants, including their own, which have done a lot since April to protect their patrons.''

Co-owners, Jorn Peter Brinkmann and Jan Philipp Bubinger said ''It’s known that many politicians come to us as guests. Some of those politicians have decided yesterday to shut down catering businesses again, to ban us from doing our jobs. We are adding those politicians to our blacklist immediately.''

‘Standige Vertretung’ was established in 1997 by two innkeepers from Bonn.&nbsp;

Germany&nbsp;on Monday led a further tightening of coronavirus restrictions in Europe that have triggered anger and frustration across the continent.

Although&nbsp;Europe's biggest economy coped relatively well with the first coronavirus wave earlier in the year but numbers have risen rapidly in recent weeks, in step with the rest of the continent.

With infection rates hitting new 24-hour records almost daily over the past week, the government has decided that leisure, cultural and food and drink sectors must be shut to halt the surge in contagion. 
&nbsp;

An iconic German pub called 'Ständige Vertretung' has banned Chancellor Angela Merkel and other officials behind the country’s month-long partial lockdown. To curb the spike in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has ordered a round of shutdowns from Monday until the end of the month.

An iconic German pub called 'Ständige Vertretung' has banned Chancellor Angela Merkel and other officials behind the country’s month-long partial lockdown. To curb the spike in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has ordered a round of shutdowns from Monday until the end of the month. The pub expressed its anger through a Facebook post, which it later deleted, saying ''the government has failed to prepare the country for the second wave of the disease, unlike many restaurants, including their own, which have done a lot since April to protect their patrons.'' Co-owners, Jorn Peter Brinkmann and Jan Philipp Bubinger said ''It’s known that many politicians come to us as guests. Some of those politicians have decided yesterday to shut down catering businesses again, to ban us from doing our jobs. We are adding those politicians to our blacklist immediately.'' ‘Standige Vertretung’ was established in 1997 by two innkeepers from Bonn. Germany on Monday led a further tightening of coronavirus restrictions in Europe that have triggered anger and frustration across the continent. Although Europe's biggest economy coped relatively well with the first coronavirus wave earlier in the year but numbers have risen rapidly in recent weeks, in step with the rest of the continent. With infection rates hitting new 24-hour records almost daily over the past week, the government has decided that leisure, cultural and food and drink sectors must be shut to halt the surge in contagion.

Iconic German pub bans Chancellor Merkel over coronavirus restrictions

German's leader&nbsp;Angela Merkel has asked the locals to practice social distancing again and keep travel to a minimum as the government is trying to contain a seco nd wave of the novel coronavirus.

"We have to do everything to prevent the virus from spreading out of control. Every day counts," Merkel said in her weekly video podcast.

The leaders in the federal and state governments are trying to agree to some measures to contain the second wave of COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-wine-and-dine-for-parisians-as-covid-19-curfew-kicks-in-335927">Also read:&nbsp;Last wine and dine for Parisians as COVID-19 curfew kicks in</a>

So now, Merkel has urged the locals to stay indoors as much as possible.&nbsp;"We have to go further. I appeal to you: Meet with fewer people, either at home or outside.

"Please forsake any journey that is not absolutely essential, every party that is not absolutely essential. Stay at home, where at all possible."

The statement came after the death toll in Germany rose&nbsp;33 to 9,767 and the daily infections hit a daily record of&nbsp;7,830 on Saturday, as reported by&nbsp;the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

German courts have, meanwhile, overturned the bans on hote stays for visitors from the infectious hotspots. The local authorities have asked the people to take voluntary actions to stay safe.

German's leader Angela Merkel has asked the locals to practice social distancing again and keep travel to a minimum as the government is trying to contain a seco nd wave of the novel coronavirus.

German's leader Angela Merkel has asked the locals to practice social distancing again and keep travel to a minimum as the government is trying to contain a seco nd wave of the novel coronavirus. "We have to do everything to prevent the virus from spreading out of control. Every day counts," Merkel said in her weekly video podcast. The leaders in the federal and state governments are trying to agree to some measures to contain the second wave of COVID-19. Also read: Last wine and dine for Parisians as COVID-19 curfew kicks in So now, Merkel has urged the locals to stay indoors as much as possible. "We have to go further. I appeal to you: Meet with fewer people, either at home or outside. "Please forsake any journey that is not absolutely essential, every party that is not absolutely essential. Stay at home, where at all possible." The statement came after the death toll in Germany rose 33 to 9,767 and the daily infections hit a daily record of 7,830 on Saturday, as reported by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). German courts have, meanwhile, overturned the bans on hote stays for visitors from the infectious hotspots. The local authorities have asked the people to take voluntary actions to stay safe.

Germany's Angela Merkel urges people to curb travel amid rising COVID-19 cases

Germany in the last 24 hours has reported 6,638 infections, a spike seen for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, official data on Thursday showed.

The record rise in cases came hours after Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the leaders of nation's 16 federal states, where they agreed on imposing tougher restrictions to contain the spread of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediterranean-crisis-germany-warns-turkey-against-provocation-334957">Mediterranean crisis: Germany warns Turkey against 'provocation'</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediterranean-crisis-germany-warns-turkey-against-provocation-334957">&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

As per the latest figures from the Robert Koch Institute, the death toll of coronavirus in Germany jumped to 33 to 9,710.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qanon-is-thriving-in-germany-the-extreme-right-is-delighted-334431">QAnon is thriving in Germany. The extreme right is delighted</a>

Earlier, German touched its highest Covid-19 cases on March 28 with 6,294 infections.

As compared to other European nations, Germany has seen relatively fewer infections and a low death rate, but there is a sharp uptick in recent weeks and Merkel has warned of up to 19,200 infections per day if the current trends remain.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after talks with 16 states, Merkel said that there will be restrictions on public gathering at events along with a compulsory mask-wearing at crowded spaces when new cases in an area reach 35 per 100,000 people in seven days.&nbsp;

Globally, as many as 1,087,513 people have died and 38.2 million coronavirus cases have emerged since the virus was first detected in China in late 2019, according to a tally by news agency AFP.

Germany in the last 24 hours has reported 6,638 infections, a spike seen for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, official data on Thursday showed.

Germany in the last 24 hours has reported 6,638 infections, a spike seen for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, official data on Thursday showed. The record rise in cases came hours after Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the leaders of nation's 16 federal states, where they agreed on imposing tougher restrictions to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Also read | Mediterranean crisis: Germany warns Turkey against 'provocation' As per the latest figures from the Robert Koch Institute, the death toll of coronavirus in Germany jumped to 33 to 9,710. Also read | QAnon is thriving in Germany. The extreme right is delighted Earlier, German touched its highest Covid-19 cases on March 28 with 6,294 infections. As compared to other European nations, Germany has seen relatively fewer infections and a low death rate, but there is a sharp uptick in recent weeks and Merkel has warned of up to 19,200 infections per day if the current trends remain. Meanwhile, after talks with 16 states, Merkel said that there will be restrictions on public gathering at events along with a compulsory mask-wearing at crowded spaces when new cases in an area reach 35 per 100,000 people in seven days. Globally, as many as 1,087,513 people have died and 38.2 million coronavirus cases have emerged since the virus was first detected in China in late 2019, according to a tally by news agency AFP.

Germany sees record rise in coronavirus cases with over 6,500 infections

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya met&nbsp;German Chancellor Angela Merkel&nbsp;for private talks in Berlin on Tuesday according to a German government spokeswoman.

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In picture:&nbsp;German chancellor Angela Merkel meeting with Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya at the Chancellery in Berlin/Twitter

The meeting came after Tsikhanouskaya's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Vilnius last week, until then the highest-profile Western leader to meet the exiled opposition figure.

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After Tsikhanouskaya's closed door meeting with Merkel, with no cameras allowed, the Belarusian opposition leader met the German opposition Green Party's leadership inside parliament.

Tsikhanouskaya posed for cameras with the German parliament's vice president of the Greens, Claudia Roth and other senior women of the party before they met for talks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-denies-lukashenko-recognition-as-belarus-president-329683">Germany denies Lukashenko recognition as Belarus president</a>

Drum up support

Tsikhanouskaya, who says she won Belarus's presidential election two months ago and accuses long-standing President Alexander&nbsp;Lukashenko&nbsp;of hanging on to power only via massive electoral fraud, is in Berlin to drum up support.

Merkel, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, has said Germany does not recognise&nbsp;Lukashenko&nbsp;as the winner of the vote and condemned the government's violence against protesters.

"This, our struggle, has not only united the Belarusians in our homeland but in the whole world," Tikhanovskaya told several dozen demonstrators waving red-and-white banners and placards in the German capital Monday evening.

"I learned today that the Belarusians in Berlin, but also in other German cities, hardly knew each other before," Tikhanovskaya told the crowd.

"But this summer, Belarus and Belarusians have united. We don't know how long this struggle will last but we need your help. The government has not heard us for 26 years and it does not hear us now," she added.

The United States and the EU hit Belarus officials with long-awaited sanctions on Friday, drawing an angry response from Minsk and its ally Moscow.

Tikhanovskaya only joined the political fray after her husband Sergei -- a popular blogger -- was barred from registering as a presidential candidate and arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

The 38-year-old has met with leaders in Poland and Lithuania, but her talks with Macron have been the most high profile to date.

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya met German Chancellor Angela Merkel for private talks in Berlin on Tuesday according to a German government spokeswoman.

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya met German Chancellor Angela Merkel for private talks in Berlin on Tuesday according to a German government spokeswoman. In picture: German chancellor Angela Merkel meeting with Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya at the Chancellery in Berlin/Twitter The meeting came after Tsikhanouskaya's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Vilnius last week, until then the highest-profile Western leader to meet the exiled opposition figure. After Tsikhanouskaya's closed door meeting with Merkel, with no cameras allowed, the Belarusian opposition leader met the German opposition Green Party's leadership inside parliament. Tsikhanouskaya posed for cameras with the German parliament's vice president of the Greens, Claudia Roth and other senior women of the party before they met for talks. Also read: Germany denies Lukashenko recognition as Belarus president Drum up support Tsikhanouskaya, who says she won Belarus's presidential election two months ago and accuses long-standing President Alexander Lukashenko of hanging on to power only via massive electoral fraud, is in Berlin to drum up support. Merkel, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, has said Germany does not recognise Lukashenko as the winner of the vote and condemned the government's violence against protesters. "This, our struggle, has not only united the Belarusians in our homeland but in the whole world," Tikhanovskaya told several dozen demonstrators waving red-and-white banners and placards in the German capital Monday evening. "I learned today that the Belarusians in Berlin, but also in other German cities, hardly knew each other before," Tikhanovskaya told the crowd. "But this summer, Belarus and Belarusians have united. We don't know how long this struggle will last but we need your help. The government has not heard us for 26 years and it does not hear us now," she added. The United States and the EU hit Belarus officials with long-awaited sanctions on Friday, drawing an angry response from Minsk and its ally Moscow. Tikhanovskaya only joined the political fray after her husband Sergei -- a popular blogger -- was barred from registering as a presidential candidate and arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. The 38-year-old has met with leaders in Poland and Lithuania, but her talks with Macron have been the most high profile to date.

Belarus opposition leader meets Merkel to drum up support against Lukashenko

The leaders of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to consider whether the Russian government poisoned Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny with a chemical nerve agent, which would subject Moscow to sanctions.

"We are very concerned by assessments that Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny was poisoned in August 2020, by a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok family," the committee's Republican chairman, Senator Jim Risch, and its Democratic ranking member, Senator Bob Menendez, wrote in a letter to Trump.

The request - which followed a similar request from leaders of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on September 8 - added to growing international support for a response to Navalny's poisoning. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier on Wednesday her country would discuss a response with European partners.

The Kremlin critic was discharged from Berlin's Charite hospital last week following 32 days of treatment after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight. Germany says he was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent. Moscow has said it has seen no evidence that Navalny was poisoned.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter from Risch and Menendez. The deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, Cherith Norman-Chalet, told the UN Security Council earlier this month that it would work with allies to hold accountable those responsible for poisoning Navalny.

The leaders of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to consider whether the Russian government poisoned Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny with a chemical nerve agent, which would subject Moscow to sanctions.

The leaders of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to consider whether the Russian government poisoned Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny with a chemical nerve agent, which would subject Moscow to sanctions. "We are very concerned by assessments that Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny was poisoned in August 2020, by a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok family," the committee's Republican chairman, Senator Jim Risch, and its Democratic ranking member, Senator Bob Menendez, wrote in a letter to Trump. The request - which followed a similar request from leaders of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on September 8 - added to growing international support for a response to Navalny's poisoning. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier on Wednesday her country would discuss a response with European partners. The Kremlin critic was discharged from Berlin's Charite hospital last week following 32 days of treatment after falling ill on a Russian domestic flight. Germany says he was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent. Moscow has said it has seen no evidence that Navalny was poisoned. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter from Risch and Menendez. The deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, Cherith Norman-Chalet, told the UN Security Council earlier this month that it would work with allies to hold accountable those responsible for poisoning Navalny.

US lawmakers ask Donald Trump to investigate Kremlin critic's poisoning

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that she will hold talks with Belarus's main opposition leader, days after French President Emanuel Macron met with her. Watch report.

Belarus Political Unrest: Angela Merkel to meet opposition leader

German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a personal visit to Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny while he was undergoing treatment in a Berlin hospital for poisoning, in what Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday called a "murderous attack".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Kremlin critic Navalny in hospital

German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a personal visit to Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny while he was undergoing treatment in a Berlin hospital for poisoning.

"It was a personal visit to Navalny in hospital," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told a regular news conference, declining to disclose details of what was said or how long the meeting lasted.

The Kremlin critic wrote on Twitter that it was "a private meeting and conversation with the family". He added: "I am very grateful to Chancellor Merkel for visiting me in hospital."

Navalny was flown from Russia to Berlin last month after falling ill on a domestic flight. He received treatment in the Charite hospital for 32 days before being discharged last week.

According to the finding of German, French and Swedish experts, Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent in Russia last month. But Moscow has so far rejected this.

Russia has repeatedly criticised Berlin for what Moscow says is a failure to share information on the case.

Navalny added: "I am very grateful to Chancellor Merkel for visiting me in hospital."

The Navalny case has further worsened relations between Moscow and a number of western countries.&nbsp;

Merkel has faced calls to halt the nearly-completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline bringing Russian gas to Germany.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a personal visit to Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny while he was undergoing treatment in a Berlin hospital for poisoning.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a personal visit to Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny while he was undergoing treatment in a Berlin hospital for poisoning. "It was a personal visit to Navalny in hospital," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told a regular news conference, declining to disclose details of what was said or how long the meeting lasted. The Kremlin critic wrote on Twitter that it was "a private meeting and conversation with the family". He added: "I am very grateful to Chancellor Merkel for visiting me in hospital." Navalny was flown from Russia to Berlin last month after falling ill on a domestic flight. He received treatment in the Charite hospital for 32 days before being discharged last week. According to the finding of German, French and Swedish experts, Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent in Russia last month. But Moscow has so far rejected this. Russia has repeatedly criticised Berlin for what Moscow says is a failure to share information on the case. Navalny added: "I am very grateful to Chancellor Merkel for visiting me in hospital." The Navalny case has further worsened relations between Moscow and a number of western countries. Merkel has faced calls to halt the nearly-completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline bringing Russian gas to Germany.

Germany has threatened Russia with sanctions over poisoning of Russian critic Alexei Navalny. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that Moscow must come clean on the poisoning of the Russian opposition leader.

Germany threatens Russia with sanctions over poisoning of Alexei Navalny

Mr Navalny was flown to Berlin after falling ill on a flight in Siberia last month, and remains in a coma.

Alexei Navalny | Russia to probe attempted murder angle | WION-DW partnership

Turkey has launched a military drill in eastern Mediterranean a day after it intercepted six F-16 Greek fighters. Turkey says it will carry out the exercises till 11th September.

Turkey launched a military drill in eastern Mediterranean Sea

Greece & UAE held the military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece has called Turkey's 2019 Libya agreement illegal. Turkey said deal with Egypt overlaps with maritime zone.

Video: Greece and UAE hold military exercises

Tensions continue to escalate between Nato allies. Turkish Air Forces intercepted six F-16 Greek fighters over the Mediterranean Sea. Greece media reported the news as 'Turkey harassed the jets'.

Greece-Turkey Dispute: Turkish intercepts six F-16 Greek fighters over Mediterranean Sea

It is a well-known fact that Pakistani establishment turns a blind eye to terrorist networks and safe havens on its soil. Such behaviour has come back to haunt Pakistan yet again as Germany has refused to help Pakistan in modernising its submarines. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-falsely-claimed-it-made-statement-at-unsc-india-322912">Also read | Pakistan falsely claimed it made statement at UNSC: India</a> 
 
Germany's Federal Security Council headed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel has decided that Germany will not supply Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for Pakistani submarines.

What is AIP system?

As its name suggests, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system reduces a submarine's dependence on atmospheric air.

Normally conventional diesel-electric engine submarines have to surface daily for Oxygen required for fuel combustion.

A submarine is its most vulnerable state when it surfaces as it can be easily detected.

AIP lets a submarine's engine run without atmospheric air for a week. This means that the submarine can remain underwater for the entire duration, increasing its capability.

Indian Navy has its own indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion system. The system has been developed by Naval Material Research Laboratory (NMRL).

Hindustan Times quoted an unnamed Indian official to say that Germany's snub to Pakistan would "adversely impact" lethality of Pakistani submarines.

Why was Pakistan snubbed?

It is believed that Germany snubbed Pakistan as it could not bring all perpetrators of terror attack on German Embassy to justice.

150 people were killed as truck bomb devastated German Embassy in Kabul in 2017. Haqqani Network was thought to be against the attack. Haqqani Network has a presence in Pakistan. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

It is a well-known fact that Pakistani establishment turns a blind eye to terrorist networks and safe havens on its soil. Such behaviour has come back to haunt Pakistan yet again as Germany has refused to help Pakistan in modernising its submarines.

It is a well-known fact that Pakistani establishment turns a blind eye to terrorist networks and safe havens on its soil. Such behaviour has come back to haunt Pakistan yet again as Germany has refused to help Pakistan in modernising its submarines. Also read | Pakistan falsely claimed it made statement at UNSC: India Germany's Federal Security Council headed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel has decided that Germany will not supply Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for Pakistani submarines. What is AIP system? As its name suggests, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system reduces a submarine's dependence on atmospheric air. Normally conventional diesel-electric engine submarines have to surface daily for Oxygen required for fuel combustion. A submarine is its most vulnerable state when it surfaces as it can be easily detected. AIP lets a submarine's engine run without atmospheric air for a week. This means that the submarine can remain underwater for the entire duration, increasing its capability. Indian Navy has its own indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion system. The system has been developed by Naval Material Research Laboratory (NMRL). Hindustan Times quoted an unnamed Indian official to say that Germany's snub to Pakistan would "adversely impact" lethality of Pakistani submarines. Why was Pakistan snubbed? It is believed that Germany snubbed Pakistan as it could not bring all perpetrators of terror attack on German Embassy to justice. 150 people were killed as truck bomb devastated German Embassy in Kabul in 2017. Haqqani Network was thought to be against the attack. Haqqani Network has a presence in Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

In setback for Imran Khan govt, Germany refuses to modernise Pakistani submarines

With the salute, Swastika, skinheads, racial hate, the Neo-Nazi movement is horrifying.&nbsp;

The tragedy that happened 75 years ago must not be forgotten and the holocaust must be kept in the public consciousness.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-historic-israel-germany-air-exercise-322270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust, Israel and Germany harbour the memory of a ghastly past.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-sale-of-f-35s-to-uae-threatens-israel-peace-agreement-322003">Why sale of F-35s to UAE threatens Israel peace agreement</a>

Both the countries have come together to create a better history as Germany has welcomed Israeli air force into its airspace for the first time ever.&nbsp;

The joint exercise is much more than simulated dogfights, air-to-ground battles or chafing missile threats.&nbsp;

Both German and Israeli pilots value the joint commemoration of the holocaust more than anything even flying.&nbsp;

The most significant part of the exercise came at Dachau, where a Nazi camp built in 1933 served as a model for similar camps that followed.&nbsp;

More than 40,000 Jews were killed at Dachau during the Second World War.&nbsp;

For the Israelis, the joint flypast over the camp was an emotional moment.&nbsp;

Along with Holocaust survivors, several high-profile people witnessed the event, including Israel Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff and German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who paid tributes to the Jews who were killed at the camp.&nbsp;

"From this, let us draw the strength to continue our commitment to the security of both our nations and to defending the universal values of freedom and human dignity that were betrayed so cruelly and terribly in this place," Kramp-Karrenbauer said. &nbsp;

The camp is a reminder to Germany as it grapples with a rise in antisemitism.&nbsp;

And, the Israeli Ambassador has sought an ultimate guarantee that the horrors that this place witnessed will never happen again.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With the salute, Swastika, skinheads, racial hate, the Neo-Nazi movement is horrifying. The tragedy that happened 75 years ago must not be forgotten and the holocaust must be kept in the public consciousness.

With the salute, Swastika, skinheads, racial hate, the Neo-Nazi movement is horrifying. The tragedy that happened 75 years ago must not be forgotten and the holocaust must be kept in the public consciousness. Watch | On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust, Israel and Germany harbour the memory of a ghastly past. Also read | Why sale of F-35s to UAE threatens Israel peace agreement Both the countries have come together to create a better history as Germany has welcomed Israeli air force into its airspace for the first time ever. The joint exercise is much more than simulated dogfights, air-to-ground battles or chafing missile threats. Both German and Israeli pilots value the joint commemoration of the holocaust more than anything even flying. The most significant part of the exercise came at Dachau, where a Nazi camp built in 1933 served as a model for similar camps that followed. More than 40,000 Jews were killed at Dachau during the Second World War. For the Israelis, the joint flypast over the camp was an emotional moment. Along with Holocaust survivors, several high-profile people witnessed the event, including Israel Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff and German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who paid tributes to the Jews who were killed at the camp. "From this, let us draw the strength to continue our commitment to the security of both our nations and to defending the universal values of freedom and human dignity that were betrayed so cruelly and terribly in this place," Kramp-Karrenbauer said. The camp is a reminder to Germany as it grapples with a rise in antisemitism. And, the Israeli Ambassador has sought an ultimate guarantee that the horrors that this place witnessed will never happen again.

Amid Neo-Nazi threat, Germany remembers dark past with Israel

More people, especially world leaders, are opting for the Indian greeting of Namaste rather than going for a handshake -- in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest addition to the list of leaders who perused this no-contact way of greeting are France President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel. The two European Union leaders met on Thursday to discuss travel restrictions related to the coronavirus.

Worried that shaking hands, hugging and kissing on the cheek -- an archetypal European way of greeting each other -- might help spread the virus, Macron and Merkel folded hands in Namaste and bent a little to exchange pleasantries.

The video of them adopting the Indian style of greeting has gone viral.

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Namaste is Global ! 
 
📸:When Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany greet each other with Namaste<a href="https://t.co/jHUhW2CfPY">pic.twitter.com/jHUhW2CfPY</a>
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1296490566688149505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Macron is not new to this though. He folded his palms in the traditional Indian manner and bowed slightly while greeting Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Elysee Palace in Paris in early March.

The French ambassador to New Delhi, Emmanuel Lenain, had then tweeted, “President Macron has decided to greet all his counterparts with a namaste, a graceful gesture that he has retained from his India visit in 2018.”

"Namaste,” a combination of two Sanskrit words, translates into “bowing to you” and does not involve skin contact and allows people to maintain a distance. &nbsp;

In recent days, images of US President Donald Trump and Prince Charles opting to use the Indian greeting over a handshake have also gone viral. 
&nbsp; 
When Trump was asked by reporters, in March, 2020, how he greeted the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar during their meeting in Washington, both leaders put their hands together to demonstrate what they did.

"I just got back from India. And I did not shake any hands there, and it was very easy because they go like this and Japan goes like this,” Trump said doing a quick demonstration of the Indian namaste and the Japanese ojigi -- bowing.

"They are ahead of the curve,” he said.

<img alt="Namaste by Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b2f41f7-b638-4973-9216-f0ef1769088c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump%20namaste.jpg" />

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also advocated the Indian-style greeting to his country and went on to demonstrate it by folding his hands at a press conference early this year. 
&nbsp; 
Historians are of the opinion that ‘namaste’ might have become familiar in the West thanks to yoga, originating in India but practised by millions all over. It certainly, however, gained a surge in popularity in 2020, all thanks to the pandemic.

In recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded the country of the benefits of sticking to the traditional greeting.

More people, especially world leaders, are opting for the Indian greeting of Namaste rather than going for a handshake -- in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

More people, especially world leaders, are opting for the Indian greeting of Namaste rather than going for a handshake -- in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The latest addition to the list of leaders who perused this no-contact way of greeting are France President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel. The two European Union leaders met on Thursday to discuss travel restrictions related to the coronavirus. Worried that shaking hands, hugging and kissing on the cheek -- an archetypal European way of greeting each other -- might help spread the virus, Macron and Merkel folded hands in Namaste and bent a little to exchange pleasantries. The video of them adopting the Indian style of greeting has gone viral. Namaste is Global ! 📸:When Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany greet each other with Namastepic.twitter.com/jHUhW2CfPY — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 20, 2020 × Macron is not new to this though. He folded his palms in the traditional Indian manner and bowed slightly while greeting Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Elysee Palace in Paris in early March. The French ambassador to New Delhi, Emmanuel Lenain, had then tweeted, “President Macron has decided to greet all his counterparts with a namaste, a graceful gesture that he has retained from his India visit in 2018.” "Namaste,” a combination of two Sanskrit words, translates into “bowing to you” and does not involve skin contact and allows people to maintain a distance. In recent days, images of US President Donald Trump and Prince Charles opting to use the Indian greeting over a handshake have also gone viral. When Trump was asked by reporters, in March, 2020, how he greeted the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar during their meeting in Washington, both leaders put their hands together to demonstrate what they did. "I just got back from India. And I did not shake any hands there, and it was very easy because they go like this and Japan goes like this,” Trump said doing a quick demonstration of the Indian namaste and the Japanese ojigi -- bowing. "They are ahead of the curve,” he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also advocated the Indian-style greeting to his country and went on to demonstrate it by folding his hands at a press conference early this year. Historians are of the opinion that ‘namaste’ might have become familiar in the West thanks to yoga, originating in India but practised by millions all over. It certainly, however, gained a surge in popularity in 2020, all thanks to the pandemic. In recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded the country of the benefits of sticking to the traditional greeting.

Indian greeting 'Namaste' is now global: Macron and Merkel's pleasantries go viral

French President Emmanuel Macron is offering to mediate in Belarus to resolve the country's ongoing power struggle. Watch report. The French President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the crisis at Macron's summer retreat.

French President offers to mediate in Belarus power struggle

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel "to be brave enough to think long-term" in a meeting on Thursday where they discussed the climate crisis and measures to fight global warming.

During a 90-minute conversation in the chancellery, Merkel explained her climate policy priorities for Germany's European Union presidency, the goal of achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050 and interim targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a government spokesman said.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Thunberg said Merkel had been nice and very friendly, but that the chancellor had a great responsibility and huge opportunity to become a world leader in the fight against climate change.

"What it comes down to is that we all start to treat the climate crisis like we treat any other crisis," Thunberg said, adding that she and her fellow activists had asked Merkel to tackle climate change with more urgency.

"What we want is leaders. We want people to step up, to dare to step out of their comfort zones, to prioritize the future ahead of us now and to be brave enough to think long-term," she said.

Thunberg was joined by fellow members of the Fridays for Future campaign group, among them Luisa Neubauer.

"She at least confirmed that she is willing to get stuff done during the presidency," Neubauer said. "Yet eventually, at the end of the day, it's about common budgets, it's about very clear targets, it's about numbers and figures and that we need action, more than really nice and big words."

The government spokesman said Merkel and the activists agreed that global warming posed a challenge for the world and that industrialized countries had a special responsibility to tackle it.

"The basis for this is the consistent implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement," the spokesman said.

The German government admitted earlier this week that it would have missed its climate target for 2020 if the economic havoc wrought by the coronavirus pandemic had not caused a large drop in greenhouse gas emissions.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel "to be brave enough to think long-term" in a meeting on Thursday where they discussed the climate crisis and measures to fight global warming.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel "to be brave enough to think long-term" in a meeting on Thursday where they discussed the climate crisis and measures to fight global warming. During a 90-minute conversation in the chancellery, Merkel explained her climate policy priorities for Germany's European Union presidency, the goal of achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050 and interim targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a government spokesman said. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Thunberg said Merkel had been nice and very friendly, but that the chancellor had a great responsibility and huge opportunity to become a world leader in the fight against climate change. "What it comes down to is that we all start to treat the climate crisis like we treat any other crisis," Thunberg said, adding that she and her fellow activists had asked Merkel to tackle climate change with more urgency. "What we want is leaders. We want people to step up, to dare to step out of their comfort zones, to prioritize the future ahead of us now and to be brave enough to think long-term," she said. Thunberg was joined by fellow members of the Fridays for Future campaign group, among them Luisa Neubauer. "She at least confirmed that she is willing to get stuff done during the presidency," Neubauer said. "Yet eventually, at the end of the day, it's about common budgets, it's about very clear targets, it's about numbers and figures and that we need action, more than really nice and big words." The government spokesman said Merkel and the activists agreed that global warming posed a challenge for the world and that industrialized countries had a special responsibility to tackle it. "The basis for this is the consistent implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement," the spokesman said. The German government admitted earlier this week that it would have missed its climate target for 2020 if the economic havoc wrought by the coronavirus pandemic had not caused a large drop in greenhouse gas emissions.

Greta Thunberg urges Merkel to get out of climate 'comfort zone'

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