Germany: Merkel in 'solidarity' with attacked congresswomen, condemns Trump comments

M/S Angela Merkel, German Chancellor arriving at press conference, Berlin
C/U Cameras
M/S Merkel sitting down
M/S Merkel getting ready for questions
SOT, Journalist: "Chancellor, I would like to come back to the point of the diversity of society in the USA and Trump's remarks, his multiple attacks towards female congresswomen of colour that attracted international scrutiny, Guy Verhofstadt called it 'truly obnoxious racism', Justin Trudeau, New Zealand's Prime Minister, Theresa May as well as both her possible successors decidedly distanced themselves from Trump. Are you personally, I would ask for a personal answer, do you feel in personal solidarity with the attacked women?"
Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "Yes, yes, I distance myself firmly and feel solidarity towards the three attacked women."
M/S Journalists *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "What regards to Russia's general procedure, of course it opens up questions, we have always seen that populist and right wing parties are strongly supported by Russia in one way or another and that is a reason for concern. I have always tried, and will continue, to build up a good relations with Russia, but everyone who wants a good relationship must see the reality and the reality is often different to what I wish it would be."
C/U Photographer *CUTAWAY*
SOT Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "I understand the question about my health and I answered them. On one side, it is important that I acknowledge the responsibility to be capable of acting as the leader of the country. Here I would say you now have known me for some time and I can carry out my duties and secondly, I recently said this but I can gladly repeat it, as a person I have a high personal interest in my own health. As said, 2021 will be the end of my political career but afterwards I hope there will be a further life [Audience laughs] and I would like to pursue that in good health."
M/S Cameras *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "We said that if the UK needs more time then we want to give them that. If they do not need more time, then we do not need to worry about this question."
C/U Cameras *CUTAWAY*
SOT Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "This is a British decision and I won't interfere. I also do not think that if I would try to interfere, it would lead to anything but I will not do that and that is the principle. I trust that the UK will find their way. The UK is a great and proud nation and it will continue to be our partner even if they won't be part of the EU anymore."
C/U Phone filming
M/S Merkel leaving press conference
SCRIPT
German Chancellor Angela Merkel distanced herself firmly from US President Donald Trump's attacks against congresswomen of colour and said she feels "solidarity" with the attacked congresswomen at her final press conference before the German Parliament breaks for summer in Berlin on Friday.
The Chancellor also touched on Russia's alleged interference on the European elections earlier this year.
"I have always tried, and will continue, to build up a good relations with Russia but everyone who wants a good relationship must see the reality and the reality is often different to what I wish it would be," said Merkel, while adding that Russia's habit of supporting populist and right wing groups are a "cause for concern."
Merkel also answered questions on Brexit, saying she will not interfere in the UKs decisions and "trusts they will find their way."
"The UK is a great and proud nations and it will continue to be our partner even if they won't be part of the EU anymore," Merkel added.