Reuters, Berlin, 06 August 2008 (excerpts) – Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday called on German firms to show some sensitivity in their dealings with Iran, following Israel’s criticism of a German company’s gas plant deal, reported Reuters.

Merkel spokesman Thomas Steg said the chancellor had repeatedly made clear that moral considerations, and not just export bans, should play a role in such deals.

Firms should show some restraint in their dealings with Iran, though this could not be prescribed, he said.

“The government is expecting some sensitivity from businesses,” Steg told a regular news conference.

Germany is one of six nations leading efforts to rein in Iran’s nuclear program.