German opposition to force Iraq spy probe

BERLIN, Mar 6 (Reuters) Germany's opposition liberal Free Democrats (FDP) decided today to seek a parliamentary inquiry into allegations that German spies helped the 2003 U S invasion of Iraq which the Berlin government had publicly condemned, a party source said.

The FDP decision means the investigation -- already backed by two other opposition parties -- looks certain to go ahead, potentially embarrassing the security services and hampering Chancellor Angela Merkel's efforts to improve relations with the United States.

REUTERS CH HT2148