Talks continue on German government

Opposition leader Angela Merkel today said she and Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder agreed to continue talks on their rival claims to lead Germany out of political paralysis following inconclusive parliamentary elections.

Merkel told reporters a first round of talks today took place “in a constructive atmosphere”.

Further discussions are to take place next week, she said. However, she said there was still “disagreement over (who has) the mandate to build a government.”