BERLIN (MNI) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday praised
the conditionality of the European Central Bank’s bond buying plan.

By tying any bond purchases to concrete budget consolidation and
reform programs of the concerned countries, the ECB is “supporting our
approach,” Merkel said.

The chancellor acknowledged that the central bank was “assuming its
responsibilities.”

Commenting on today’s decision by the German Constitutional Court
to allow the ratification of Europe’s permanent bailout fund and the EU
fiscal compact in Germany, Merkel said this is “a strong signal to
Europe.”

“This is a good day for Germany, a good day for Europe,” she added.

–Berlin bureau: +49-30-22 62 05 80; email: twidder@marketnews.com

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