video transcript

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said nearly all national governments, not just the United States, use "lots of activities" to safeguard their interests and security, referring to a question about allegations the U.S. was involved in bugging European Union offices in Washington. Kerry made the comments during a briefing at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Brunei Monday. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING "I will say that every country in the world that is engaged in international affairs of national security undertakes lots of activities to protect its national security and all kinds of information contributes to that and all I know is that is not unusual for lots of nations. Bt beyond that I'm not going to comment any further until I have all of the facts and find out precisely what the situation is. " Kerry confirmed that EU High Representative Catherine Ashton had raised the issue with him in a meeting with him in Brunei but gave no further details of their exchange. He said he had yet to see details of the newspaper allegations. The German government said on Monday if media reports of large-scale U.S. spying on the European Union were confirmed, it would be unacceptable Cold War-style behaviour between partners who require mutual trust to forge a new transatlantic trade area.