White House: US Not Monitoring German Chancellor’s Calls

The White House says President Barack Obama has assured German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the U.S. isn't listening in on her phone calls.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said Obama and Merkel spoke by phone on Wednesday. Germany says Merkel initiated the call after receiving information that U.S. intelligence may have targeted her mobile phone.

Merkel's spokesman said the chancellor told Obama that if true, it would be unacceptable. But Carney said, "The United States is not monitoring and will not monitor the communications of the chancellor.''

Carney said the U.S. is examining Germany's concerns as part of an ongoing review of how the U.S. gathers intelligence. The White House has cited that review in responding to similar spying concerns from France and other U.S. allies.