Merkel says US helped foil terror plot, but questions NSA surveillance programme

Acknowledges Germany is dependent on co-operating with American spy services

German chancellor Angela Merkel has said US intelligence was key to foiling a large-scale terror plot.

The comments from Merkel came as she acknowledged Germany is dependent on co-operating with American spy services.

According to news24, Merkel also said she was surprised to learn of the scope of recently leaked US spying programmes.

She said the US must clarify what information on people's communications is monitored and how, reiterating that she will raise the issue during talks with President Barack Obama in Berlin on Wednesday, the report added.