2nd LD: German coalition talks reach breakthrough

BERLIN, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives (CDU-CSU) and the Social Democrats (SPD) on Friday achieved a breakthrough in their exploratory talks aimed at forming a new coalition government, local media reported.

The progress will probably put an end to months of political uncertainty in Germany after the Sept. 24 elections.

After overnight talks, the three parties, Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), its sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the SPD will present the 28-page blueprint to party members, Focus Online reported.

They agreed not to raise taxes if they form a governing alliance and would limit the number of refugees entering the country to between 180,000 and 220,000 per year.

Merkel and the SPD also agreed to limit family reunions for refugees to 1,000 a month, clearing a main stumbling block to coalition talks.

The three parties also agreed on the strengthening of the European Union, especially on making more money flow from Germany to Brussels, reports said.

There has been no formal announcement of a deal so far.

After the Sept. 24 elections, Merkel's CDU tried to broker a coalition with two smaller parties, but failed. A continuation of the coalition with the SPD is considered as the only viable alternative. Enditem