This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/world/europe/in-call-obama-and-merkel-discuss-cooperation-on-intelligence.html

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
In Call, Obama and Merkel Discuss ‘Cooperation’ on Intelligence In Call, Obama and Merkel Discuss ‘Cooperation’ on Intelligence
(about 1 month later)
WASHINGTON — In their first telephone conversation since revelations of American spying activities jarred relations between the United States and Germany, President Obama and Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday discussed what White House officials described as “ways to improve cooperation” in the wake of the scandal. WASHINGTON — In their first telephone conversation since revelations of American spying activities jarred relations between the United States and Germany, President Obama and Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday discussed what White House officials described as “ways to improve cooperation” in the wake of the scandal.
The officials described the call as “friendly and cordial,” though they provided few details about what was discussed. But a brief description in a White House statement left no doubt that the subject of spying came up.The officials described the call as “friendly and cordial,” though they provided few details about what was discussed. But a brief description in a White House statement left no doubt that the subject of spying came up.
“The president and the chancellor also exchanged views on U.S.-German intelligence cooperation, and the president said he’d remain in close communication on ways to improve cooperation going forward,” the statement said.“The president and the chancellor also exchanged views on U.S.-German intelligence cooperation, and the president said he’d remain in close communication on ways to improve cooperation going forward,” the statement said.
Relations between the United States and Germany have been frosty since documents leaked by Edward J. Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor, showed that Ms. Merkel’s personal cellphone had been tapped. The recent revelations that the United States had recruited spies in the German defense and intelligence agencies prompted Germany to expel the C.I.A. station chief from Berlin.Relations between the United States and Germany have been frosty since documents leaked by Edward J. Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor, showed that Ms. Merkel’s personal cellphone had been tapped. The recent revelations that the United States had recruited spies in the German defense and intelligence agencies prompted Germany to expel the C.I.A. station chief from Berlin.
The potential damage to the relationship between Germany and the United States comes at a time that the two allies are seeking to work together to resolve several international crises.The potential damage to the relationship between Germany and the United States comes at a time that the two allies are seeking to work together to resolve several international crises.
On Tuesday night, Mr. Obama and Ms. Merkel reiterated their position that Russia must take steps to de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, and agreed to remain “closely coordinated” on measures that could impose further economic costs on Russia, White House officials said. On Tuesday night, Mr. Obama and Ms. Merkel reiterated their position that Russia must take steps to de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine, and agreed to remain “closely coordinated” on measures that could impose further economic costs on Russia, White House officials said. 
Mr. Obama and Ms. Merkel also discussed negotiations with Iran about its disputed nuclear program, officials said. They noted progress in the talks, saying that it remained “imperative” that Iran take steps to prove it is not developing nuclear weapons.Mr. Obama and Ms. Merkel also discussed negotiations with Iran about its disputed nuclear program, officials said. They noted progress in the talks, saying that it remained “imperative” that Iran take steps to prove it is not developing nuclear weapons.