Dutch PM backs US action

Radio Netherlands ^ | March 20 2003

[knighthawk]

In a statement, Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende today expressed his support for the US-led attack against the Iraqi regime. He pointed out that for the past twelve years the international community has tried to force Saddam Hussein to disarm. This approach has proved to be a failure.

The issue of Iraq has caused major problems in the talks aimed at creating a new coaltion government between Mr Balkenende's Christian Democratic party and the Dutch Labour Party. However, now that the war has actually begun, Labour has decided to back the allied coalition against Iraq. Mr Balkenende has welcomed the news, saying he is now more confident that the coalition talks will prove successful. He and Labour leader Wouter Bos still believe they need to reach agreement on the question of Iraq, and foreign policy in general, otherwise the government formation process could still fail.

[Black Agnes]

Bttt.

[knighthawk]

Europe-list

If people want on or off this list, please let me know.

[MadIvan]

Dank u wel, Nederland.

Groetjes, Ivan

[tomahawk]

God bless our Dutch allies.

[BushMeister]

Welcome to the fight.

This time I know our side will win!

[Giddyupgo]

Hi Knighthawk, put me on the list. Thanks.

[Cicero]

Excellent. This isolates France just a little bit more. And don't think the Dutch weren't thinking about the position taken by France and Belgium when they announced this decision. Belgium used to be their old Benelux partner.

[Redcloak]

That makes what? About 40 joining us in our unilateral action? 50?

[knighthawk]

You are on my Europe list now.

[agincourt1415]

We've already surpassed the 91 Coalitions numbers, and FRANCE is OUT in the COLD! BAWWWWWAAAAAH!

[knighthawk]

The Dutch were already on the list of 30 who backed the US. But the left did not agree, but now they do to, so it's official now.

[dinok]

I wonder what the French think of the RISIN found in Paris.

I better be carefull, they may surrender to Germany out of habit.

[anymouse]

The Dutch just couldn't stand being in league with the Belgians, French and Germans. :)

[skeeter]

But the left did not agree, but now they do to, so it's official now.

Sadly, your left beat our own Democrats into the Coalition of the Willing.

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

Excellent, I can conduct my fast-approaching trip to London, Amsterdam, and Switzerland, with pride. Thanks!

[knighthawk]

The Switzerland part not I am afraid:

Switzerland bans U.S. military planes from airspace
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/870079/posts

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

Have the Swiss previously granted this right?

[Wavyhill]

Even the Netherlands, the San Francisco of Europe, supports the war against Islamofascism--yet the French are still hiding under their beds.

[knighthawk]

Not as far as I now.