Bush tells Europe: 'Iraq war rift is over'

Scotsman ^ | 6/27/04 | JEREMY WATSON

[Valin]

US President George Bush tried to heal the damaging rift between America and Europe over the war in Iraq yesterday by declaring that the "bitter differences" of a year ago no longer existed.

Bush was speaking after an EU-US summit at Dromoland Castle in Co Clare, western Ireland, at which the transatlantic allies struck a series of agreements to mark the rebuilding of bridges following two years of quarrelling.

Thousands of anti-war demonstrators mounted a nearby protest against US policies in Iraq, where power is due to be handed back to the new Iraqi regime later this week.

But at a joint press conference Bush, Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern and EU president Romano Prodi made clear their determination to see Europe and America work together for global prosperity, growth and security.

"I think the bitter differences over the war are over," Bush said. "We all agree a democratic and peaceful Iraq, with its territorial integrity intact, is in all our benefit."

Reacting to concern over the treatment of Iraqi prisoners by US troops, Bush said he had attempted to reassure the Irish premier and president Mary McAleese that the abuse of prisoners in Abu ghraib prison in Baghdad would be fully investigated.

"I was sick with what happened inside that prison and so were the American citizens," he said. "The actions of those troops did not reflect what we think.

"It did harm, because people in Ireland and elsewhere said this is not the America we know. This isn’t the America we believe exists.

"Both leaders of course brought the issue up and they should, and I assured them we would deal with this in a transparent way which stands in stark contrast to how a tyrant would deal with it."

Bush made clear his concern about how people in Europe viewed the US.

"I care about the image of our country," he said. "I don’t like it when the values of our country are misunderstood because of the actions of some people overseas."

Asked about his apparent lack of support in Europe, he replied: "I must confess that the first polls I worry about are those that are going to take place in early November this year [the US presidential election].

"I will lead and we’ll just let the chips fall where they may," he added. "As far as my own personal standing goes, my job is to do my job. I’m going to do it the way I think is necessary. I’m going to set a vision."

The President congratulated the 25-nation EU for its expansion by 10 new, mostly Eastern European, former Soviet bloc states last month.

"It’s an historic achievement. You are erasing the last traces of the Iron Curtain and creating a new beginning for the continent," he said, adding that the addition of Turkey, his next port of call, would be the natural way forward.

Bush urged the EU to open membership talks with Turkey, which the US wants to keep as a key Middle East ally, saying it already met standards for joining the continent-wide club.

Turkey was a "proud nation that successfully blends a European identity with Islamic traditions", Bush said.

"Turkey meets the EU standards for membership. The EU should begin talks that will lead to full membership for the Republic of Turkey."

The EU is still concerned that Turkey, where Bush will this week attend a Nato summit and hold bilateral talks with Turkish leaders, is not doing enough to stamp out police use of torture in jails, harassment of human rights activists and violations of the rights of non-Muslim minorities.

The EU also wants proof that recent reforms, including the removal of military members from boards making university appointments, opening up military spending to more public scrutiny, and providing for gender equality, are fully implemented.

Following his talks with Bush, Ahern, the Irish PM, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said he hoped to be able to name a new European Commission president on Tuesday. However, he had to speak to favourite Jose Manuel Durao Barroso and other EU leaders first.

"I have to talk to about half of my colleagues [EU leaders] and

I also have to talk to Jose Manuel Barroso, the present prime minister of Portugal," said Ahern.

"But I sincerely hope that I will be in a position to make a recommendation and get a positive decision on Tuesday evening."

The current commission president, Romano Prodi, stands down at the end of October and the new executive Commission will take over on November 1.

[Rennes Templar]

"...declaring that the "bitter differences" of a year ago no longer existed."

ie, France and Germany have agreed to try to generate revenue through legal means.

[Valin]

It ain't over till I say it's over!

[Digger]

Let me get this straight. France, Germany, etc did everything to disrupt our goals & now GW says it is over. It's NOT with me. This president talks about actions having consequences but I NEVER see such. TALK TALK TALK. I'm with O'Riely. Boycott France.

[Valin]

With the President, watch what he does, not what we says(in public).