Schroeder Regrets Words That Hit U.S.-German Ties

Reuters ^ | April 19, 2003 | Erik Kirschbaum

[jern]

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on Saturday he deeply regretted "exaggerated remarks" critical of U.S. moves against Iraq (news - web sites) that soured his relations with President Bush (news - web sites).

In a further attempt to repair U.S.-German relations strained by his outspoken criticism, Schroeder said he was confident the dispute over Iraq would not cause long-term problems between the two countries.

"I deeply regret there were exaggerated comments -- also from cabinet members of my previous government," Schroeder told Der Spiegel magazine when asked if there were "grounds for self-criticism" for damage he caused to U.S.-German relations.

The declaration was the furthest Schroeder has gone in trying to mend fences with the U.S.

He and his center-left government had criticized U.S. steps against Iraq right up until the war started. In early April, Schroeder began making a slow retreat, saying for the first time he hoped U.S.-led forces would win the war quickly.

Last week he said: "It is always good for mankind when a dictator is removed."

In speeches in his re-election campaign last year, Schroeder derided plans to attack Iraq as a military "adventure" that would "set ablaze" the Middle East, and angered Washington by refusing to send German troops to Iraq under any conditions.

Schroeder said Germany would not "click its heels" and follow the United States into a war.

His stinging criticism of the Bush government, including accusations it changed the goal of disarming Iraq to one of overthrowing President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), was hugely popular in Germany and helped Schroeder come from far behind in surveys to beat challenger Edmund Stoiber in the September election.

Tensions were further worsened just before the election when Schroeder's Justice Minister Herta Daeubler-Gmelin reportedly compared Bush's political tactics with those of Adolf Hitler -- an analogy she partially denied. Schroeder accepted her resignation shortly after winning a second term.

But Schroeder's sharp language sent the traditionally close relations between the world's first and third largest economic powers into a tailspin. Commentators in Germany called the last eight months an "ice age." Bush Administration officials have called the ties "poisoned."

SCHROEDER'S U-TURN

Bush pointedly did not congratulate Schroeder on his narrow victory. The two have not spoken since November. German media have reported Bush has declined to take calls from Schroeder.

"Even though differences of opinion on this question were so serious, it does not impair transatlantic relations," Schroeder said. "I think political leaders on both sides are professional enough to recognize relations are on a solid foundation."

Schroeder dismissed criticism he was making a U-turn to mend the dispute only after it became clear the United States would win the war.

"I view politics from a rational point of view, and do not like to ride in slipstreams," Schroeder said. "I don't have any problem at all cultivating contacts with the American president. They're necessary and desirable. But to measure this question on how long a handshake lasts is ridiculous."

Several German newspapers and television networks focused on a brief handshake between Schroeder and Bush at a NATO (news - web sites) meeting in November as an indication of the state of the ties.

[section9]

Remember Condi Rice's rule of postwar politics:"Punish France, ingnore Germany, and forgive Russia."

The slow agony will begin for France, as the USG releases illegal weapons contracts between France and Saddam. For Germany, less so. I think Bush will slowly, ever so slowly, allow Schroeder back into his good graces. The Frogs are f*%ked, period. Putin started mending fences when we pushed on past An Nasiriyah and started moving on Baghdad.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[OpusatFR]

When are they up for re-election? I guess being an American "friend" depends upon the time frame.

We don't need no stinkin' friend....

[spectre]

Hmmm...I don't know why he did this "apology" but I do know that if the U.S. consumer EVER stops buying the pricey Audis, BMWs, Mecedes, and Porschs - it will be all over for the German economy.

We are the biggest luxury market in the world.

[n1f2ns]

Germany has betrayed us, simple as that. After all that we have done for them Frace and Germany have stabbed us in the back, and they'll do it again if they see the chance. It will take some serious repair work (i.e. send troops and fully support and further actions) to mend relations. I for one will never forget how France and Germany acted; their actions put American security in jeopardy, and that isn't what friendly nations do.

[Arpege92]

It's funny how fast the axis of weasles will run for cover, even after they have shown a united front against the United States. Germany is slowly leaving the frogs....I guess my grandmother was right.....money talks and bulls_it walks!

[Oldeconomybuyer]

..."I deeply regret there were exaggerated comments...

Damn near a Daschelism.

[Gang of Five]

Dear Herr Schroeder,

Go to h**l. Go directly to h**l. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.

Thank you.

[GunRunner]

Hey Schroeder: Es ist zu spät! Du bist noch ein grosser Scheissekopf!

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Shroeder, get bent.

This groveling bug should have thought about the consequences of scuzzing us off in favor of terrorists and crazy tyrants like Saddam. We need to pull our military out of Germany, terminate all business deals, and let them crash and burn.

[weegee]

I find it incredible as in "in-credible". He could have apologized to President Bush directly by picking up the phone (as Chirac did).

[sarasmom]

Yawn.
Now what is Poland's starting offer on US base leases?

[samtheman]

Apologies are easy.

Let's see him do something to help us.

Like come out publicly against France and Russia for the efforts to keep the sanctions on Iraq.

It's time to end the sanctions on Iraq. Weasel France and Weasel Russia don't want the sanctions to end.

What say you, Germany? Art thou still Weasel?

[gcruse]

"I awoke to find myself Old Europe and in bed with a frog!"

[schaketo]

NEVER FORGET!

Germany is on my permanent $hit list. I read labels on everything I buy now. If it’s French, German, Canadian, or Mexican, I look for alternatives.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is a Nazi dressed up as a socialist. Don’t forget that Nazis were socialists. What’s changed?

[TomB]

"I deeply regret there were exaggerated comments -- also from cabinet members of my previous government," Schroeder told Der Spiegel magazine when asked if there were "grounds for self-criticism" for damage he caused to U.S.-German relations.

"If he opens his big mouth again, it's Lapschig time!"

[Delta 21]

You Krauts can just stay down there and grovle a while.

[Delta 21]

You said "Scheissekopf!"

HA HA

[Tunehead54]

I'm mad and I'm staying mad. This sniveling, whining isn't working for me.

---

We're mad too. These guys can stew for a year or two - then after everyone agrees the UN is a failed institution we'll draw up a new one - kinda like meals on wheels - equally funded by all member nations. Oh yeah, France? No veto. See ya.

[MinuteGal]

FAMOUS QUOTATIONS:

"No sadder words from tongue or pen
Than the words 'It might have been'"

(George Bush, 2003)

Or, if you prefer.......

"The Moving Finger writes and, having writ, moves on
Nor all your piety and wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a line of it".

(Rummy Rumsfield, 2003)

Or, better yet.....

"Herr Schroeder, Condoleeza Rice and General Tommy Franks will get together in Berlin in a couple months for a gemutlich Oktober Fest celebration".

Iraqi Minister of Information, 2003 (RIP)

Leni

[Tunehead54]

When are they up for re-election?

---

I think Schroeder is out in 6 months - term - limited.

Corrections welcome.