German, French Leaders To Meet In Paris

Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet President Jacques Chirac, and most of her ministers also will attend the regular meeting, government spokesman Thomas Steg said.

Along with current European and world issues, he said the talks also likely would include an "exchange of views" on the troubles at Airbus, which this week announced a further delay to deliveries of its A380 superjumbo and a cost-cutting drive.

German politicians are urging Airbus parent EADS to ensure that the company's delicate French-German balance is respected in the restructuring program.