US wants new German govt to give more help to Iraq
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-11-14 22:45

The United States signalled that it is seeking further help for Iraq from Germany's new government ahead of a vote in the country's parliament next week which is expected to see Angela Merkel succeed Gerhard Schroeder as chancellor, a senior US official said on Monday.

Daniel Fried, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, said the government change in Berlin was a chance for the United States and Germany to move beyond their differences over Iraq.

"We hope Germany will be able to continue the direction it has gone and do even more to support the Iraqi government and the emerging democratic institutions in Iraq," Fried told the press after a day of talks with German officials.

Washington hoped Germany, which is helping train Iraqi securityforces outside the violence-plagued country, would provide more help through "various channels," Fried said

Fried declined to be more specific about the help the United States was seeking, but he ruled out the possibility of a US request for German combat troops to be sent to Iraq.

The United States will also seek closer cooperation with Germany on issues including Iran and Afghanistan, said Fried.

The German parliament is expected to elect leader Angela Merkelas Schroeder's successor on Nov. 22.

Merkel is to head a "grand coalition" of her conservatives and Schroeder's Social Democrats and is pledging to seek a "close, trusting relationship" with Washington.