Posted on 09/23/2002 11:50:08 AM PDT by HAL9000
BERLIN, Sep 23, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, moving to shore up relations with the United States strained by his rejection of war with Iraq, said Monday that his justice minister would be replaced in his new Cabinet after she reportedly compared President George W. Bush to Adolf Hitler.
Herta Daeubler-Gmelin, who has denied making the comparison, announced in a letter that she was not available for the post after receiving clear signals that the government would not have her.
Her decision was "very respectable and appropriate under the circumstances," Schroeder told a news conference a day after securing a second-term in Germany's closest postwar election.
The alleged remark, comparing Bush to the Nazi dictator for going after Iraq to distract from domestic problems, chilled U.S.-German relations already strained by Schroeder's stance on Iraq.
Schroeder initially stood by his minister, insisting he had no reason to doubt her account of a discussion with a small group of labor union members reported by a German newspaper last week.
But officials had made clear ahead of Sunday's vote that she was no longer welcome in the government.
Schroeder already sent a conciliatory letter to Bush in a bid to cool Washington's ire over her alleged comments - so far without effect.
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told reporters in Warsaw Monday that "I have no comment on the German elections' outcome, but I would have to say that the way it was conducted was notably unhelpful."
"As the White House indicated, it has had the effect of poisoning the relationship," he added.
Schroeder has vowed not to send any German troops for a military intervention in Iraq, even if it is backed by the United Nations.
Attacking Iraq could wreck the international anti-terror coalition, spark turmoil across the Middle East and damage the world economy, Schroeder has warned.
Copyright 2002 Associated Press, All rights reserved
She was defeated, but she could have continued as justice minister through the "party list". Now she has been shut out for good.
Call your senators and congressman and let them know that you want action. Also call the WH
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.