German lawmaker meets Snowden in Moscow

BERLIN - A German opposition lawmaker on Thursday met Edward Snowden in Moscow to explore the possibility of having him assist Germany's inquiry into alleged US spying on German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

In a three-hour secret meeting, Christian Stroebele of the Green Party and Snowden talked about whether conditions could be created for the latter to testify before a German public prosecutor or a parliamentary inquiry committee, Stroebele told the German ARD television.

Stroebele said Snowden is basically willing to help Germany probe the alleged surveillance by the US National Security Agency (NSA) but the conditions must be created.

However, Snowden's lawyer announced Thursday that the intelligence whistle-blower would not testify in Germany because of his complicated legal situation.

Last week, Merkel called US President Barack Obama to demand clarification over allegations that Washington had eavesdropped on her phone calls. Berlin has said it would be "a serious breach of trust" if the spying is confirmed.

NSA chief Keith Alexander on Tuesday branded the recent media reports about the agency's spying on European allies as "completely false."