Berlin : German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday that transatlantic ties, including the negotiations on a free trade deal, are being tested by the alleged extensive US spying in Germany and Europe.
"The transatlantic relationship and also the negotiations for a free-trade agreement are now without doubt being put to the test," reported Xinhua citing Merkel telling the lower house of the German parliament, referring to the alleged US spying in Germany that included tapping of Merkel's own phone conversations.
"The allegations are serious," Merkel said, "They must be explained, and more importantly, new trust must be built for the future."
The German-US relationship was of "paramount" importance for Germany and Europe, Merkel, however, added.
