The German government is following up on a report that the United States used a partnership with Denmark to spy on senior officials of neighbouring countries, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a government spokesman said on Monday.
"The federal government has taken note of the report and is in contact with all relevant national and international bodies for clarification," government spokesman Steffen Seibert told a regular news conference.
Danish state broadcaster DR said the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) used a partnership with Denmark's foreign intelligence unit to spy on senior officials of neighbouring countries, including Merkel.