German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) sits next to Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi (C) and speaks to President Donald Trump (R) as they attend a G7 expanded session during the G7 Summit in Taormina, Sicily, Italy. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
Reuters: Merkel, minister stress U.S. ties after critical Trump tweet
U.S. President Donald Trump called Germany's trade and spending policies "very bad" on Tuesday, intensifying a row between the longtime allies and immediately earning himself the moniker "destroyer of Western values" from a leading German politician.
As the war of words threatened to spin out of control, Merkel and other senior German politicians stressed the importance of Germany's Atlantic ties, with Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel suggesting the spat was just a rough patch.
Trump took to Twitter early in the day in the United States to attack Germany, a day after Chancellor Angela Merkel ramped up her doubts about the reliability of Washington as an ally.
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MIDDLE EAST
US begins sending arms to Kurdish fighters in Syria. Syrian rebels say U.S., allies sending more arms to fend off Iran threat.
US-backed Arab fighters advance outside Syria's Raqa.
Russia's Putin says certain Syria's Assad didn't use chemical weapons.
Syria conflict: Civilians among rising casualties as air strikes intensify, monitoring groups warn.
Moscow concerned over US threats against Syria’s armed forces.
Nighttime, early morning bombings in Baghdad kill 31. Blasts strike Baghdad days into Ramadan, killing 27.
Mosul Dam risks devastating failure as Iraq government keeps stalling.
Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince hails relations with Russia. Putin talks Syria, oil with powerful Saudi prince.
Iran blasts Trump for saying it sponsors terror.
World watches as Yemen descends into total collapse: UN.
As Yemen faces famine, U.N. works to avert attack on food port.
Cholera outbreak in Yemen spreads but at a slower speed.
Netanyahu: We must retain full military control of West Bank.
ASIA
US, China could decide this week on North Korea sanctions. U.S., China debating when U.N. should act on North Korea: Haley.
Foreign fighters killed in battle for Philippine city.
Philippines warns Islamist militants to surrender or die.
Duterte cancels Japan trip as Mindanao siege continues.
China plans undersea observation system ‘for science and national security’.
China is behaving like a 'bully' in South China Sea: McCain.
'Shocked' South Korea leader Moon orders probe into U.S. THAAD additions. South Korea's Moon Jae-in in 'extreme shock' over unreported THAAD launchers.
Deadly Cyclone Mora hits Bangladesh with high winds and rain.
AFRICA
In Somalia, Islamist rebels are blocking starving people from getting food.
Egypt to press ahead with air strikes after Christians attacked.
Top Sudanese officials cancel planned Egypt visit amid mutual recriminations.
UN food agency warns South Sudan conflict is fueling famine.
South Sudan soldiers face trial for rape and murder.
Central African Republic abuses may be crimes against humanity: U.N..
UN report shows hundreds of Central African Republic abuses. C. Africa violence forces 88,000 people to flee homes in May: UN.
Official: South Korea vessel hijacked off of Somalia.
Senegal's ex-president in new power bid at 91.
EUROPE
UK PM May's lead narrows slightly to 12 points: ICM poll.
Germany's Gabriel says ties with U.S. 'difficult', will improve.
Italy's Renzi says parties agree on proportional electoral law.
Emmanuel Macron hits out at Russian 'deceitful propaganda' in first meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Lavrov slams Macron's 'media propaganda' remarks as post-Obama policy aftereffect.
Russian diplomat comments on Trump’s son-in-law contacts with Russian ambassador to US.
More leading German politicians land into Trump.
Moldovan Foreign Ministry expels five Russian diplomats.
Ukraine's security service searches Yandex offices in 'treason' probe.
Manchester attack: UK police seek clues about Abedi's blue suitcase as investigation continues.
Police in Germany 'foil asylum seeker suicide attack'.
Moscow storm: 16 killed in Russian capital and region.
AMERICAS
Trump jump starts search for FBI chief with two interviews.
Five policemen killed in Mexico ambush ahead of key state vote.
Brazil Supreme Court judge orders Temer to respond to police questions.
Manuel Noriega, Panama ex-strongman, dies at 83.
Trump administration nearing completion of Cuba policy review: sources.
White House communications director resigns amid tensions.
Pence to make campaign push amid GOP concerns over Trump.
Venezuelan opposition condemns Goldman for $2.8 billion bond deal.
Venezuela: Opposition leader tear-gassed in protests.
Venezuela socialists met shaming, protests on trips abroad.
Colombia and Farc agree to extend arms deadline.
Brazil’s Temer says coalition steady despite bribery allegations.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
U.S. says expanding laptop ban 'still on the table'.
US kills Pakistani Taliban ‘master in electronics’ in drone strike.
UK's 'Big Brother' anti-terror strategy is flawed, UN expert says.
50 still in hospital, 17 in critical care after Manchester attack.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street slips as energy, financials lose ground.
Germany a large investor, employer in US economy.
Amazon’s stock tops $1,000 for the first time.
Oil slips on oversupply worries despite OPEC deal.
BA to take 'some days' to clear baggage backlog.