BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's main parties sealed an agreement on Friday to create a government of traditional rivals under the leadership of conservative Angela Merkel, breaking eight weeks of deadlock after an inconclusive general election.
"I'm convinced that the coalition creates a genuine opportunity for Germany," said Merkel, who will become the country's first woman chancellor and first from the former communist East if, as expected, the new parliament formally elects her on Nov. 22.