U.S. response over spying scandal

White House defends NSA amid criticism of spying on European allies

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday defended the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) following further media exposures of its alleged spying on America's European allies and strong criticism from world leaders. Full story

Obama reassures Merkel U.S. not monitoring her communications

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has assured German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a phone call that the United States "is not monitoring and will not monitor" her communications, said the White House on Wednesday.  Full story

U.S. Senate panel drafting bipartisan bill to limit NSA surveillance

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee leaders said on Thursday they began drafting legislation to increase transparency and tighten oversight to National Security Agency's surveillance programs that have been under fierce scrutiny over the past three months.  Full story

Obama calls French President Hollande over NSA spying reports

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday conversed with French President Francois Hollande over the phone following the news reports about the U.S. National Security Agency's alleged spying efforts against French citizens, said the White House.  Full story

U.S. to respond via diplomatic channels to alleged spying on Mexico: embassy

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Washington would respond through diplomatic channels to the alleged spying on Mexico by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), the U.S. embassy here said Sunday night.  Full story

Obama pledges more oversight over surveillance programs

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday pledged measures to strengthen oversight and transparency of the National Security Agency (NSA)'s classified surveillance programs following two months of controversies.

"It's not enough for me as president to have confidence in these programs. The American people need to have confidence in them as well," said Obama at a White House press conference.  Full story

Comments

Amid troubling spying accusations, Washington needs to address global concerns

Mutual trust will fade if such insensible policies are not adjusted, even with once-close friends.

Loss of faith in each other, the very centerpiece of political relations, will surely give nations pause for thought on their future collaboration with Washington.  Full story

News Analysis: Obama's measures over surveillance short of specifics, structural change

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday announced a host of measures to strengthen oversight and transparency of the country's controversial surveillance program, aiming to ease public concerns and uneasiness.

But experts here say that his promises are of no structural change to the program.Full story