Obama said Friday that `` it has pained me to see the degree to which '' the Snowden disclosures have strained the relationship with Germany , a key ally . NEW : Just because we can spy does n't mean we should , Chancellor Merkel says . The Snowden leaks are part of the discussions in Washington . President Obama has strained relations with Germany over U.S. surveillance . Merkel says more steps are needed to find a balance between security and privacy .
NEW : Just because we can spy does n't mean we should , Chancellor Merkel says . The Snowden leaks are part of the discussions in Washington . President Obama has strained relations with Germany over U.S. surveillance . Merkel says more steps are needed to find a balance between security and privacy .