Bush's massage message to Merkel

Angela Merkel has a good working relationship with Mr Bush

President Bush has revealed a policy change during a visit by German leader Angela Merkel - no more back rubs.

Mr Bush raised eyebrows last July at the G8 summit in Russia, when he walked up behind a seated Mrs Merkel and briefly massaged her shoulders.

She initially threw her arms up and grimaced, then smiled when he let go.

"No back rubs," a smiling Mr Bush joked as the two leaders ended a joint news conference after talks at the White House in Washington.

Last year's impromptu massage from the US commander-in-chief ended up becoming one of the most popular video clips on the internet.

Germany's relationship with the US hit stormy weather under the previous chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, but has improved since Mrs Merkel took over in 2005.