Germany is ready for further talks with General Motors on the sale of European carmaker Opel and wants to avoid confrontation with the U.S. firm on the matter, a government spokesman said on Monday.

It is important not to resort to confrontation, government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm said at a regular government news conference, adding the government aimed to invite a member of the GM board to Germany to discuss Opel this week.

On Friday, GM failed to recommend either of two bidders for Opel -- Canadian supplier Magna, Germany's preferred buyer, or rival bidder RHJ International.

(Reporting by Paul Carrel and Noah Barkin)

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