Berlin, Nov 14, SPA -- The United States is seeking more help forIraq from Germany's new government as well as closercooperation on hot spots including Iran and Afghanistan, asenior U.S. official said Monday. Daniel Fried, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State forEuropean and Eurasian Affairs, said the government changein Berlin was a chance to move beyond U.S.-Germandifferences over Iraq under outgoing Chancellor GerhardSchroeder. "We hope Germany will be able to continue the directionit has gone and do even more to support the Iraqigovernment and the emerging democratic institutions inIraq," Fried told reporters during a day of talks withGerman officials. Fried said Washington hoped Germany, which is helpingtrain Iraqi security forces outside the violence-plaguedcountry, would provide more help through "variouschannels." He said that did not include offering combat troops, butdeclined to be more specific, according to a report of the Associated Press. The German parliament is expected to elect leader AngelaMerkel as Schroeder's successor on Nov. 22. Merkel is tohead a coalition of her conservatives and Schroeder'sSocial Democrats which is pledging to seek a "close,trusting relationship" with Washington. --SPA1415 Local Time 1115 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/302549