Obama Administration Welcomes GM-Opel Deal

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2009; Reuters reported tht the Obama administration on Saturday welcomed a deal clinched by Germany with Canadian auto parts group Magna, General Motors and the U.S. government to save German carmaker Opel from the imminent bankruptcy of its U.S. parent.

"This deal is a positive step for the auto industry. The auto task force will continue its close engagement with the German government on the issue," a senior administration official said.

The official confirmed President Barack Obama had spoken by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel before the deal was reached, saying the call was "constructive," and added there was no financial commitment by the U.S. government under the Opel agreement.

Editing for Reuters by Peter Cooney