German SPD backs coalition talks, leader vows tough approach

By Paul Carrel and Holger HansenBONN (Reuters) - Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) voted on Sunday to begin formal coalition talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, moving Europe's economic powerhouse closer to a stable government after months of political deadlock.SPD delegates voted 362 to 279, with one abstention, to press ahead with negotiations.A recount was held after an initial show of hands was too close to call for the SPD official in charge of the count and the result was s