Angela Merkel Asks Putin to Protect Chechnya Gay Rights

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to help protect the right of gays in Chechnya following reports they are persecuted there.

Merkel said she had constructive talks Tuesday with Putin in the Russian resort of Sochi, which touched on a wide range of topics including Syria, Ukraine and human rights.

She told reporters after the talks: "I asked President Putin to use his influence to protect these minority rights."

Merkel said she wanted to "keep trying to find solutions" to global problems and that Russia has an important role to play.