Germany's Merz hopes for steps towards tariff solution at G7 summit

KANANASKIS, Canada, June 16 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday he hoped there would be steps towards a solution to a tariff dispute with the United States at this week's G7 meeting in Canada, even if a solution itself could not be reached at the summit.

Speaking to reporters, he also said European countries in the Group of Seven nations were preparing a communique on Iran that said Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and that Israel has a right to defend itself.

"And then we have to see whether there are opportunities to discuss customs policy on the sidelines of this meeting," Merz said.

"There won't be a solution at this summit, but we could perhaps take small steps toward a solution," he added.