BERLIN – Germany has ruled out the possibility of shooting down hijacked passenger planes even if they appeared to threaten buildings with suicide attacks, the interior minister said Wednesday. 

“It isn’t helpful to consider this,” the minister, Otto Schily, told journalists. “How can I shoot down a passenger flight that comes near a skyscraper? I’m surprised that this is being considered by the opposition.”  

The minister, who is responsible for the country’s domestic security, said it was more important to focus on a thorough security system that begins with better baggage inspections and ends with sky marshals on flights.  

The U.S. administration has announced a policy of shooting down commercial jets that threaten U.S. cities. Some Parliament members in opposition parties have called for a similar stance in Germany.                 (Reuters)