Germany Chancellor Angel Merkel calls Netanyahu, urges peace

Chancellor Angel Merkel underlined Germany's commitment to strong relations with Israel on Friday, but called on new Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to support the peace process with the Palestinians. The chancellor's spokesman Thomas Steg said that Merkel delivered that message during a phone call with Netanyahu. Steg said that Merkel stressed German hope that the new Israeli government will continue to support international efforts and agreements aimed at arriving at a two-state solution. Steg said Merkel also invited Netanyahu to Germany and he accepted. No date has yet been set.