Germany's FDP rules out 'traffic light' coalition

BERLIN - The head of Germany's liberal Free Democrats (FDP) has ruled out a so-called "traffic-light" coalition with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens.

"I rule out categorically any 'traffic-light' coalition with red and green," Guido Westerwelle said after his party held internal talks to plan their next moves after the election.

The SPD had no mandate to form a government after coming second in the election, and the FDP would not accept any invitation from the SPD to coalition talks, Westerwelle added.

Germany is facing political chaos after the weekend's election failed to provide a clear winner.

Mr Westerwelle did not rule out the possibility of a "Jamaica coalition" with Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU), their sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Greens -- so called because the island's black, yellow and green flag matches the colours of the three parties.

"We want a black-yellow government to change the political direction. Who else in parliament would be ready to support such a change remains to be seen," Westerwelle said.

"We will grasp every opportunity to realise a black-yellow government in Germany."

- REUTERS