Merkel warns Europe to avoid credibility risk on budgets

(ANSA) - Berlin, December 9 - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday called for European countries to all respect budget rules, or risk raising doubts about the stability of the region. Merkel's comments to her political party's congress came at the same time as meetings of European finance ministers to discuss budget issues including debt and deficit limits. "If in the end, we do not respect (rules) we decided on...it will provoke doubts and this will be negative for Europe," said Merkel. "This is the reason why we want the rules respected".