Germany asked the top U.S. intelligence official at the Berlin embassy on Thursday to leave the country.
Germany asked the top U.S. intelligence official at the Berlin embassy on Thursday to leave the country, a highly unusual step reflecting the deep anger within Angela Merkel's government at the discovery of two suspected U.S. spies within a week.
The scandal has plunged ties between Germany and one of its closest allies to a new low following last year's revelations from former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden about widespread surveillance of Germans, including Merkel.
"The request was made in light of the ongoing investigation by the chief federal prosecutor and questions that have been raised for months about the activities of U.S. intelligence services in Germany," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said.
On Wednesday, Berlin said it had discovered a suspected U.S. spy in the defense ministry. That came just days after a German foreign intelligence worker was arrested on suspicion of being a CIA informant and admitted passing documents to a U.S. contact.
The White House said on Thursday it was essential that the United States and Germany continue to cooperate after Germany took the unusual step of asking a American intelligence official at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin to leave the country.
"We have seen these reports and have no comment on a purported intelligence matter. However, our security and intelligence relationship with Germany is a very important one and it keeps Germans and Americans safe," White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.
"It is essential that cooperation continue in all areas and we will continue to be in touch with the German government in appropriate channels."
Merkel has come under pressure to take action against the United States, given public anger about the spying allegations.
Seibert said the government took the events very seriously. It was essential for Germany to work with its Western partners, especially the United States, but that required "mutual trust and openness", he added.
