Merkel hails deal on stable government that 'world expects'

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed a hard-fought deal Wednesday on a new "grand coalition" government which she said international partners had long been waiting for.

"I am convinced that the coalition agreement that we agreed together can form the foundation for the good and stable government that our country needs and that many in the world expect from us," she said after sealing the pact more than four months after a general election.