Grand Coalition in sight

27.09.2005 - 12:41STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on Tuesday that he was sure a "grand coalition" between his Social Democrats and the conservative opposition would be formed to continue reforms his government had begun."Voters have decided for renewal of their country without giving up social cohesion," Schroeder said in a speech at a function on the future of the European Union."This requires a government that makes this its priority and I am very sure that such a government will emerge in the form of a grand coalition."Schroeder's Social Democrats and the centre-right opposition under Christian Democrat leader Angela Merkel are currently engaged in exploratory discussions aimed at setting up full coalition negotiations following the inconclusive September 18 election.A deal has been held up because both Schroeder and Merkel insist that they should be chancellor.