Germany’s Merkel calls Obama amid phone tapping claimsOctober 24, 2013 - 13:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The German government said Chancellor Angela Merkel has called Barack Obama after receiving information that U.S. intelligence may have targeted her mobile phone, Belfast Telegraph reported. Spokesman Steffen Seibert said Merkel made clear in her call that "she views such practices, if the indications are confirmed ... as completely unacceptable" and called for U.S. authorities to clarify the extent of surveillance in Germany. A statement from Seibert said the German government "has received information that the chancellor's cellphone may be monitored by American intelligence". The government would not elaborate but news magazine Der Spiegel, which has published material from NSA leaker Edward Snowden, said its research triggered the response. The White House said Obama has assured Merkel that the U.S. is not listening in on her phone calls. White House spokesman Jay Carney said the two leaders spoke by phone, adding: "The United States is not monitoring and will not monitor the communications of the Chancellor." Carney said the U.S. is examining Germany's concerns as part of a review of how the U.S. gathers intelligence. The White House has cited that review in responding to similar spying concerns from France and other U.S. allies. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. For the first time, Armenia votes in favor of Georgia resolution in UN Armenia on Tuesday, June 4 voted for the first time in favor a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Moscow warns Armenia against leaving Russian-led defense bloc Armenia could ruin its military ties with Russia if it continues drifting towards the West, according to a senior official in Moscow. |