Obama and Merkel speak on phone amid spying accusations

President Barack Obama has spoken with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to address mounting European concerns about broad US surveillance programs. According to a readout of the call between the two leaders, "the president assured the chancellor that the United States takes seriously the concerns of our European allies and partners". Germany and other European nations have expressed concern following allegations by former US IT analyst Edward Snowden that the US has been spying on countries and its citizens, including allegations that European offices were bugged. The White House said they agreed to a "high-level meeting" between US and German security officials in the coming days.