Merkel denies Germany lied about ‘no-spy’ deal possibility with U.S.May 30, 2015 - 16:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Chancellor Angela Merkel is rejecting suggestions her government lied in 2013 about the United States' willingness to negotiate a "no-spy" agreement with Germany. Merkel's then-chief of staff, Ronald Pofalla, said a few weeks before Germany's 2013 election that the U.S. had offered to negotiate such an agreement. The daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung and two broadcasters, however, have reported in recent weeks there was no firm indication the White House would contemplate such a deal, according to the Associated Press. Asked in an interview with the Sueddeutsche Zeitung published Saturday, May 30, whether she had officials lie to the public, Merkel replied: "Of course not. There were talks between the American side and us which made it appear possible to agree such a deal." Pofalla's statement followed revelations by Edward Snowden about U.S. National Security Agency surveillance. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |