Swiss rule out assistance to Germany over stolen data

BERNE Feb 3 (Reuters) - Switzerland's Finance Minister on Wednesday ruled out offering administrative assistance to Germany over data stolen from an unnamed Swiss bank.

Germany has said it would pay for data on clients of Swiss banks who may have been evading German taxes that is being offered to authorities by a whistleblower, even if the information was obtained illegally. [ID:nLDE6101VZ]

Merz said Berne would, however, seek a diplomatic solution in a move aimed at calming the row with the Alpine nation's most important trading partner.

(Reporting by Jason Rhodes)