BBC News with Julie Candler

The new French President Francois Hollande has stressed the need for growth in Europe at a news conference in Berlin with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Addressing the deepening crisis in the eurozone, he said everything must be put on the table at a

forthcoming

European Union summit. Mr Hollande, who has opposed some of the austerity policies backed by Mrs Merkel, reaffirmed France's commitment to a strong relationship with Germany.

"I consider the relationship between France and Germany is a balanced and respectful one – balanced between our two countries, respectful of our political sensibilities and equally respectful as partners of Europe and the European institutions. We want to work together for the good of Europe, but by

mobilizing

all the other countries in Europe."

Both leaders said they wanted Greece to remain a member of the eurozone as doubts continue about its future at the single European currency. Earlier, the latest effort to form a new government in Greece failed. The country now appears to be heading towards fresh elections with a formal announcement expected on Wednesday. The parties remain deeply divided over whether to continue with austerity measures linked to the international bailout.

The Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is likely to attend a Nato summit in Chicago this weekend to discuss Afghanistan's future. The Nato invitation came as Pakistani civilian and military leaders met to consider reopening the alliance's