German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has arrived in Washington for talks with US President George W Bush. The two are expected to discuss Germany's bid to obtain its own seat on the UN Security Council and the future of the European Union. Europe's role in the war on terror and its negotiations with Iran over the country's nuclear programme are also believed to be on the agenda. It comes as polls show Schroeder's popularity at home at its lowest ever, according to a report of BBC. The US has rejected plans by Japan, Germany, Brazil and India to be granted permanent seats at the UN. Instead, it has said that "two or so" countries - including Japan - will become permanent members. White House spokesman Scott McClellan on Sunday said the US' position had not changed. It is thought that Monday's talks will also focus on the Middle East as well as on efforts by Britain, France and Germany to ensure Iran does not carry on research aimed at developing nuclear weapons.
