You are not alone, not on the field of battle, nor without friends in this world.
With you at the first, with you the last.
Regards, Ivan
Posted on 01/29/2003 5:21:58 PM PST by MadIvan
The split in Europe over America's readiness to go to war against Iraq deepened last night when leaders of seven European nations joined Tony Blair in calling for the Continent to stand united with President George W Bush.
The diplomatic initiative, masterminded by Spain and Britain, did not include France or Germany, the two EU nations that have been most critical of what they fear is a rush to war by the US.
Seems like Blair and Aznar had some "strategery" of their own. Clever. Very clever. - Ivan
The appeal by the leaders of Britain, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Poland, Denmark and the Czech Republic is a boost for Mr Blair who has sought to build a European coalition of support for Mr Bush.
Today Mr Blair steps up the pace as a broker between Europe and America over Iraq. He flies to Madrid for talks with Jose Maria Aznar, Spain's prime minister, before flying to Washington for talks tomorrow with Mr Bush at Camp David.
In their joint appeal, Mr Blair and the other leaders call for cohesion and unity in Europe. They stress that the transatlantic relationship must not become a casualty of Saddam Hussein's threat to world security. "Our strength lies in unity," the leaders say.
They also emphasise that the UN's credibility is on the line in the stand-off with Iraq over weapons of mass destruction.
The report last Monday by the UN weapons inspectors confirmed Saddam's long-established pattern of "deception, denial and non-compliance," they state in the appeal published in several newspapers across Europe.
Only five of the 15 EU member states signed the appeal. The other three signatories are applying to join. The appeal was suggested by Mr Aznar, who has been one of the EU leaders most supportive of the US.
Last night Mr Blair had talks at Downing Street with Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, another signatory of the appeal.
A No 10 spokesman said: "They focused on the need for Saddam to comply fully with his UN obligations and on the need for him to answer the questions put to him by UN weapons inspectors earlier this week."
The appeal, however, is likely to be seen as a rebuff to both President Chirac of France and Chancellor Schröder of Germany. They are still smarting after being described by the Bush administration last week as "old Europe" for arguing for more time for the UN inspectors.
Mr Blair's key role in the initiative is likely to fuel French and German suspicions that he is forming close links with the US as well as trying to construct an alternative power base within the EU which will rival the traditional Franco-German alliance.
And I am sitting here with a huge smile on my face imagining Chirac and Schroeder's discomfort - Ivan
In what appears to be a reminder to M Chirac and Mr Schröder, the appeal notes that "we Europeans had backed UN resolution 1441, which has given Saddam a last chance to disarm, and the wish to pursue the UN route at Nato and EU summits".
In doing so, they had sent an unequivocal message that they would rid the world of the danger posed by Saddam's deadly weapons.
"We must remain united in insisting that his regime is disarmed. The solidarity, cohesion and determination of the international community are our best hope of achieving this peacefully," they write.
"We cannot allow a dictator systematically to violate these resolutions. If they are not complied with, the Security Council loses its credibility and world peace will suffer as a result. We are confident the Security Council will face up to its responsibilities."
The prospects of Britain and America fighting a lonely war against Iraq have been laid to rest by the willingness of other European nations to pledge support.
Mr Aznar backs the Anglo-American stance despite opposition accusations that he is betraying his country. He said he would not rule out sending troops to the Gulf. Mr Berlusconi travels to America today to meet President Bush, to be followed by Mr Blair tomorrow.
Italy's defence ministry said yesterday that American transport planes bound for the Gulf could use its bases. Several of the other states said their air space was available for stopovers and refuelling.
Hans Blix's critical report on Iraq to the UN on Monday and President Bush's tough State of the Union speech have persuaded Moscow to suggest it might moderate its opposition to military action.
President Putin said Russia "may change its position" if Baghdad hampered the weapons inspectors' work.
France pledged to re-evaluate any fresh information that America could provide.
The Foreign Office described Germany as standing alone in Europe in its opposition to military action.
You are not alone, not on the field of battle, nor without friends in this world.
With you at the first, with you the last.
Regards, Ivan
Game, set, match, President Bush. The Democrats had better go into full rewind mode and shut up.
Regards, Ivan
THESE ARE the 17 ALLIES for IRAQI FREEDOM
U.S., British, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Polish, Italy, Portugal,
Slovakia, Denmark, Czech, Spanish, Quatar, Kuwaiti, Israeli, Australian and Japanese
FREE the IRAQI people!!!
|
Say, what time is it in Blighty now?
You really don't want to know; I'm off to collapse shortly.
Regards, Ivan
Your conclusion would be fully warranted, were it not for America's mainstream media. Be assured this encouraging initiative will never make the front page of the New York Times nor lead any network newscasts.
And given this conspiratorial cover, the Democrats will continue to whine and mewl about Bush's "unilateralism".
Hell, Tom Daschle would whine and mewl even if the Times published it...
Then it's up to us to shake them up. Ring up Fox, ring up Rush, ring up Hannity - ring them all up and make them aware of this.
Regards, Ivan
I've often spoken to Rick about just this!
Shame on You America-Hating Liberals, Tony Parsons.
I love America, yet America is hated. I guess that makes me Bush's poodle. But I would rather be a dog in New York City than a Prince in Riyadh. Above all, America is hated because it is what every country wants to be - rich, free, strong, open, optimistic.
E-mailed to Helen Thomas and peers.
But Howell Raines and the New York Times no longer take my calls...
Actually, there's a certain beauty to it. So long as the story doesn't appear in the NYTimes, the WashPost, the network news or CNN, the Democrats assume that nobody knows about it. So, they keep lying.
But, eventually, via Fox News, the internet and talk radio, about half the country finally gets the facts in hand -- and realizes they're lying.
"Suspicions?" "Forming?" "Trying to construct?" Uh, guys...catch up. "Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way" is a little more germane, and Blair's leading. The other roles are still open.
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UK
JAPAN
AUSTRALIA
BULGARIA
ROMANIA
ISRAEL
POLAND
SPAIN
CZECH
PORTUGAL
KUWAIT
HUNGARY
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ITALY
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