German Chancellor Angela Merkel reaffirmed today her country's continued support for a sovereign and an independent Lebanon during talks with Lebanese officials in Beirut. Merkel addressed journalists briefly following a meeting earlier today with Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri that followed official talks with Lebanese Premier Fouad Seniora. "The talks were good with House Speaker Berri. We discussed the situation in the country and expressed Germany's support for a sovereign and an independent Lebanon," Merkel said. -- SPA