Germany welcomes visit by new French president
BERLIN, MAY 11 (AP/UNB) - Germany is welcoming the French president-elect's decision to visit Berlin hours after taking office, but is downplaying expectations of any immediate decisions on European policy.
Conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel will welcome Francois Hollande, a Socialist who has criticized the European austerity drive she has championed and called for a greater focus on growth, to her office next Tuesday.
Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said Friday that Hollande is sending a "very strong signal" by visiting hours after his inauguration.
He says Merkel is "sure the proven close consultation with France will continue to be the basis for securing long-term prosperity, peace and democracy for Europe."
However, he says Tuesday's get-together "is not a meeting for decisions, but a get-to-know meeting."
Conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel will welcome Francois Hollande, a Socialist who has criticized the European austerity drive she has championed and called for a greater focus on growth, to her office next Tuesday.
Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said Friday that Hollande is sending a "very strong signal" by visiting hours after his inauguration.
He says Merkel is "sure the proven close consultation with France will continue to be the basis for securing long-term prosperity, peace and democracy for Europe."
However, he says Tuesday's get-together "is not a meeting for decisions, but a get-to-know meeting."
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