26/10/2013 11:23
Top German spy chiefs to go to Washington for talks
Germany is to send its top intelligence chiefs to Washington to "push forward" an investigation into allegations the US spied on its leader Angela Merkel, the BBC reported.
The heads of foreign and domestic intelligence would hold talks with the White House and the National Security Agency, a government spokesperson said.
Earlier, Germany and France said they want the US to sign a no-spy deal by the end of the year.
EU leaders have warned a lack of trust could harm the fight against terrorism.
As well as the bugging of Mrs Merkel's phone, there are claims the NSA has monitored millions of telephone calls by both German and French citizens.
Spain on Friday followed Germany and France in summoning the US ambassador to explain reports of spying on the country. Italy has also expressed anger at reports it too has been spied on.
US state department spokesperson Jen Psaki acknowledged that the revelations - most of them sourced to US whistleblower Edward Snowden - have "posed a moment of tension with some of our allies".
"We are having discussions with those allies, those will continue, as is evidenced by the German delegation that will be coming here in the coming weeks," she said.