WH to Host State Dinner for Merkel

AFP reports:

US President Barack Obama will welcome German Chancellor Angela Merkel to a White House state dinner on June 7, and present her with America's highest civilian award, the White House said Monday.

"The chancellor's visit underscores the fundamental importance of the US-German alliance, the depth of the friendship between our people, and our commitment to move forward together on behalf of our shared interests and values," a White House statement said.

"The president and the chancellor will discuss the broad array of issues on which the United States and Germany cooperate closely, including in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Iran, and on promoting human rights and global economic stability and growth."

Aides have privately said that Obama harbors great respect for Merkel, who has seen her domestic political star wane in recent months, but recently Germany has been on the other side from Washington of key global issues.

Germany abstained in a UN Security Council vote on a resolution setting up a no-fly zone in Libya, is not taking part in the military coalition against Moamer Kadhafi and has called for a ceasefire.