The German defence minister, Rudolf Scharping, has assured Washington that the new coalition in Bonn will not challenge the core strategies of NATO including the policy allowing first use of nuclear weapons.

He was speaking after talks in the American capital with the Defence Secretary, William Cohen.

Earlier this week, the German foreign minister, Joschke Fischer, said in a magazine interview NATO should reconsider its strategy on nuclear first use.

Mr Scharping also spoke of NATO's incorporation next April of Poland, Hungary and the Czech republic adding that no further expansion of NATO membership should be considered for two to three years.

Similar views have been expressed by the British defence secretary, George Robertson, on a trip to the Czech republic.