Sarkozy, Merkel meet ahead of euro session

COLOMBEY-LES-DEUX-EGLISES, France, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy met Saturday in advance of a meeting of euro zone leaders.

Both leaders agreed to oppose a European fund to rescue failing banks, Deutsche Welle reported. Merkel has been staunchly opposed to the proposal, fearing that Germany would pay the lion's share.

Sarkozy and Merkel met in Colombey-les-deux-Eglises, the village where former French President Charles de Gaulle is buried.

Sarkozy told reporters after the meeting with Merkel that the two leaders have a common view on the financial crisis. Both said the euro-zone countries and European Union members must have a common strategy.

Merkel said "there is naturally room for maneuver by each member state."