John Kerry, the US secretary of state, sought to salvage forthcoming trade negotiations with the European Union amid growing signs that the Obama administration will act to stem some of the criticism of the National Security Agency's surveillance activities.
Speaking in Warsaw on Tuesday after talks with Poland's foreign minister, which included discussions about the NSA, Kerry said he understood why there were concerns in Europe, but insisted that a review of its programs would establish "the right balance".
The second round of negotiations over the ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) begin in Brussels next Monday, despite calls in Europe to suspend talks after a series of disclosures about US surveillance of European leaders.
"The Transatlantic Trade Partnership is really separate from and different from any other issues people may have on their minds. This is about jobs. It's about the economy," Kerry said, adding: "Now, that should not be confused with whatever legitimate questions exist with respect to NSA or other activities."
Merkel and other European leaders have also said they do not want the talks over a wide-ranging trade deal to be jeopardised by the NSA controversy. But behind the scenes there are known reservations, not least given the advantage the US may gain through intrusive surveillance of the European trade delegation.
"It has become clear we're not doing business on a level playing field," a European official recently told the Guardian.
Read more: Kerry urges Europe: don't let NSA spying concerns thwart trade talks | World news | theguardian.com
Speaking in Warsaw on Tuesday after talks with Poland's foreign minister, which included discussions about the NSA, Kerry said he understood why there were concerns in Europe, but insisted that a review of its programs would establish "the right balance".
The second round of negotiations over the ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) begin in Brussels next Monday, despite calls in Europe to suspend talks after a series of disclosures about US surveillance of European leaders.
"The Transatlantic Trade Partnership is really separate from and different from any other issues people may have on their minds. This is about jobs. It's about the economy," Kerry said, adding: "Now, that should not be confused with whatever legitimate questions exist with respect to NSA or other activities."
Merkel and other European leaders have also said they do not want the talks over a wide-ranging trade deal to be jeopardised by the NSA controversy. But behind the scenes there are known reservations, not least given the advantage the US may gain through intrusive surveillance of the European trade delegation.
"It has become clear we're not doing business on a level playing field," a European official recently told the Guardian.
Read more: Kerry urges Europe: don't let NSA spying concerns thwart trade talks | World news | theguardian.com
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