Statement re: U.S. Spying on Personal Cell Phone

We've received information that the Chancellor's cellphone may be monitored by U.S. intelligence.

U.S. authorities must clarify the extent of surveillance in Germany and provide answers to questions that the German government asked months ago.

Among close partners such as Germany and the U.S., there must not be such surveillance of a head of government's communication. That would be a serious breach of trust. The German government unequivocally disapproves of such methods and finds them totally unacceptable. Such practices must be stopped immediately.

The Chancellor made clear to President Obama in a phone call that she views such practices, if the indications are confirmed, as completely unacceptable.