WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. President George W. Bush called German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday and both agreed that Hamas must disarm and abandon calls for Israel's destruction, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said at a briefing.

    "They discussed the situation in the Middle East and their shared view of the need for Hamas to recognize Israel's right to exist, to renounce violence and to disarm," McClellan said.

    "They also discussed the Iranian nuclear issue and both leaders emphasized the importance of working together to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapons capability," McClellan said.

    Bilateral relations between the United States and Germany have markedly improved since Merkel, who took office last year, visited the White House in January. Enditem