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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |