Merkel expresses determination to solve neo-Nazi killings

German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday held a traditional New Year's Day reception for foreign mission chiefs, including Huseyin Avni Karslioglu, Turkey's new ambassador to Berlin. During the reception which was held at the Prime Minister's Office, Merkel one by one saluted Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, along with 126 ambassadors, acting ambassadors from 34 countries and representatives of 17 institutions and wished them a Happy New Year. Speaking at the reception, Merkel said that Germany attaches considerable importance to human rights, adding, "Accordingly, we are deeply saddened by the murders committed by extreme rightists in our country. You could be rest assured that we will exert all the efforts to solve these murders."