1st LD: Martin Schulz denies green light to grand coalition talks with Merkel

BERLIN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader Martin Schulz on Friday denied an earlier report that his party was ready to start grand coalition talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Conservatives Union.

The message is "simply wrong," said Schulz at a press conference at the SPD headquarter. "We have many options."

Schulz attacked the Union at the same time and suspected them of spreading the message of agreement.

SPD executive will debate all options, a minority government or a grand coalition again with the Union. A resolution should then be formed at the party congress in the coming week.

German daily Bild reported earlier on Friday that SPD and the Union, comprised with Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister the Christian Social Union (CSU), has agreed to enter exploratory talks for a renewed coalition after the one since 2013 federal elections.

Germany's new government is still in vacancy after the Sept. 24 federal elections and the exploratory talks between the Union, the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens broke down last week.

Leaders of the three parties on Thursday night held a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is trying to his best to avoid snap elections if no new government can be formed. Enditem