Germany's Merkel calls for stronger ties with US, smaller EU states

BERLIN (AFX) – New German Chancellor Angela
Merkel has called for closer ties with smaller EU states and the United States, in an interview to be published Monday on her foreign policy goals.

‘Relations with the smaller member states of
the European Union will be intensified,’ Merkel, who took office
Tuesday, told news weekly Focus.

‘And there will be a more intense transatlantic relationship. But that is not intended as a message against anyone.’

Her predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, cultivated a close partnership with France that critics said compromised ties between Berlin and Washington, as well as relations with some EU countries.