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                      Germany, US to Discuss Spy Expulsion

   by VOA News

   Germany's foreign minister says he will discuss the expulsion of a U.S.
   intelligence officer from Berlin with U.S. Secretary of State John
   Kerry when the two diplomats see each other at meetings in Vienna in
   the next two days.

   Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke to reporters Friday in Berlin, a day
   after Germany expelled the intelligence officer over allegations that
   Washington hired German operatives to sell it secret documents.

   Steinmeier said he will tell Kerry that Germany wants to revive its
   relationship with the U.S. on the basis of mutual trust. He also said
   Germany's decision to expel the officer was an appropriate one.

   While in Vienna, Kerry and Steinmeier are expected to meet with their
   counterparts from the other members of the so-called P5+1 nations, to
   discuss Iran's nuclear program with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed
   Javad Zarif.
   Unusual rebuke

   Thursday's move by Germany was seen as a highly unusual rebuke to one
   of its closest allies. White House officials have said they had no
   comment on the expulsion of the intelligence official.

   German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Thursday that it is
   crucial for Germany "to work closely on a basis of trust with Western
   partners, in particular with the USA."

   Germany is investigating the activities of two Germans who have
   allegedly spied for the United States, activities U.S. officials have
   declined to publicly discuss

   Important relationship

   While the White House did not address the expulsion directly, National
   Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said "our security and
   intelligence relationship with Germany is a very important one and it
   keeps Germans and Americans safe."  She said the United States would be
   in contact with the German government "in appropriate channels."

   German Chancellor Angela Merkel, angered months ago with the revelation
   that the clandestine U.S. National Security Agency had eavesdropped on
   her cell phone, said that if the current reports of U.S. spying on her
   government prove to be true, it is "a waste of energy."

   The Germans are investigating a 31-year-old intelligence worker
   suspected of selling more than 200 documents to the U.S. Central
   Intelligence Agency for $34,000.  He was first pinpointed by German
   security officials as he sought to sell documents to Russia, but then
   told investigators he was a double agent for the United States.

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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/germany-us-to-discuss-spy-expulsion-/1955354.html