re: I spent the last 4 hours or so listening ( rosebowl was right!)

Thanks for the clarification. I understand that Merkel does not concern you, and that is fine. I have seen one poster assert rather strongly that Merkel does have a copy. If he does, perhaps it should be of concern as it evidences more disregard for the rules. It could be mere speculation that there is a copy in Merkel's hand. Hopefully it is just speculation.

I would assume there is enough information about the alleged defamatory statements in the public domain for Merkel to base his suit upon, but it would be troubling if someone did actually give him a copy of confidential statements.