GERHARD SCHRÖDER: Germany Will Share The Burden In Iraq

The New York Times ^ | 09/19/03 | GERHARD SCHRÖDER

[Pokey78]

BERLIN — Terrorism continues to be a very serious risk to security and stability in the world. With the fight against terrorism far from over, Germans and Americans stand united in the battle. Together, we will prevail.

For many months now, German soldiers have been fighting side by side with American troops in Afghanistan, once a haven and a logistical base for international terrorism. I am firmly convinced that we have no choice but to continue on in this common struggle, given the threat that global terrorism and Al Qaeda pose to the international community.

I put my own political future on the line in 2001 when I asked the German Bundestag for a vote of confidence for sending troops to Afghanistan, a military commitment unprecedented for Germany.

Until very recently, German troops played a leading role in the International Security Assistance Force, which has brought a measure of stability and order to Kabul and the surrounding areas. Though the force is now commanded by NATO, a German NATO general is in charge. Freeing Afghanistan from the bondage of the Taliban and Al Qaeda was an exceptional accomplishment.

Now, however, we must focus our efforts on helping a troubled country introduce democracy and rebuild itself under extremely difficult circumstances. Germany is therefore prepared to participate in extending the reconstruction program beyond Kabul and to assign military personnel to protect civilian aid workers and organizations.

It would be tragic, both for the Afghan people and the international community, if this country were to relapse into tyranny or once more become a breeding ground for terrorists. We have a joint responsibility to prevent this, for it is in our common interest and in keeping with our common values.

German-American cooperation is solid in other areas as well. Our troops are working with American forces in the Balkans to ensure stability there. Our navy is helping to patrol the Horn of Africa, protecting international sea routes. And more than 8,000 German troops are participating in peacekeeping missions around the world.

In the fight against terrorism, German intelligence services and law enforcement are working closely with American and other international partners. And on the diplomatic front, Germany and its European partners are doing their utmost with Washington to bring forward the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. Our commitment to peace in the Middle East, based on the security of Israel and the right of the Palestinian people to form a state of their own, is a pillar of our foreign policy.

It is true that Germany and the United States disagreed on how best to deal with Saddam Hussein's regime. There is no point in continuing this debate. We should now look toward the future. We must work together to win the peace. The United Nations must play a central role. The international community has a key interest in ensuring that stability and democracy are established as quickly as possible in Iraq. The international mission needs greater legitimacy in order to accelerate the process leading to a government acting on its own authority in Iraq.

In addition to its current military involvement in Afghanistan, the Balkans and elsewhere, Germany is willing to provide humanitarian aid, to assist in the civilian and economic reconstruction of Iraq and to train Iraqi security forces.

When we gather in New York next week for the United Nations General Assembly, we will underline that Germany and the United States are linked by a profound friendship based on common experiences and values. For Germans, the 2003 general assembly is very special. It was exactly 30 years ago that Germany was admitted to the United Nations, a milestone in our postwar history. Back then, Germans were still forced to live in two states, divided by a wall and a dangerous border. Today, Germany is united.

We Germans will not forget how the United States helped and supported us in rebuilding and reuniting our country. That Germany is living today in a peaceful, prosperous and secure Europe is thanks in no small measure to America's friendship, farsightedness and political determination.

Beginning with President Harry S. Truman, all American presidents have supported and encouraged European integration. This remains a wise policy, for a strong and united Europe is also in the interest of the United States. With the adoption of a European constitution and the enlargement of the European Union, Europe is opening an important new chapter in unity. Germany, as a civilian power in the heart of Europe, knows from its own history that cooperation and integration are conditions for security and prosperity.

Not until after the fall of the wall and unification did Germany fully regain its sovereignty. Today we are a full member in the international community — with all the rights and obligations this entails. Germany's role in the world has changed and so has our foreign policy. My country is willing to shoulder more responsibility. This may entail using military force as a last resort in resolving conflicts.

However, we must not forget that security in today's world cannot be guaranteed by one country going it alone; it can be achieved only through international cooperation. Nor can security be limited to the activities of the police and the military. If we want to make our world freer and safer, we must fight the roots of insecurity, oppression, fanaticism and poverty — and we must do it together.

Gerhard Schröder is the chancellor of Germany. This was translated by the German Embassy from the German.

[exit82]

Yeah, and I'm sure your check is in the mail to us,Chancellor.

[Held_to_Ransom]

My country is willing to shoulder more responsibility. This may entail using military force as a last resort in resolving conflicts.

It's important to remmeber that Germans have a tendency to take their resorts seriously....

[Tench_Coxe]

I wonder how much this was influenced by the fact that Japan is actually helping out monetarily in Iraq?

[God luvs America]

tough to figure this guy out....

[nathanbedford]

Translation aus dem Deutsch: We need the UN to take charge to fight the root causes of ....

[Pikamax]

greed is the answer, Germany's economy in the tank, too much business in Iraq for Germany to pass up.

[edchambers]

WTH!?!? why the sudden change of heart?

[section9]

There's a reason for this change of heart.

The Germans are looking at Pooty Poot getting some serious face time with George Herbert Walker Bush at Putin's dacha last week. That means that the Russian bankers and the biznessmen (and of course, their outriders in the Mafiya...) want to get in on the Ground Floor, so to speak. Putin is making sure that his interests are protected.

So, what this tells me is that the German Banking cabal in Frankfurt called up Gerhard and told him that the kowtow to Chiraq was a moneylosing proposition. The German bankers want to underwrite the IMF loans! They're damn close to being in on the money.

While all the goobers in the liberal media screamed "schadenfreude" and shouted that Bush was crawling back to the Krauts and the Froggies, in actuality, I think that Bush was using the carrot and the stick. Moscow signaled its willingness to play ball. Bush the Elder's visit was the icing on the cake. That was the stick. Schroeder has picked up on what's happening. He wants carrots. As for Chiraq; he is too vain to realize that he's holding the Dead Man's Hand.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

tough to figure this guy out.... 5 posted on 09/18/2003 9:18 PM PDT by God luvs America

Power-play against France.

Every EUropean knows that France and Germany are already, and are going to be evermoreso, the Big Dogs in the EU Kennel (especially since Great Britain never seems to be quite willing to jump into the EU with both feet -- good for her). Indeed, France and Germany have already struck this bargain amongst themselves, beginning the implementation of Dual-Citizenship amongst French and German citizens... France and Germany have, in effect, determined amongst themselves that the rest of the EU are going to be subsidiary provinces of the Franco-German New Carolingian Empire.

Which leaves the question -- which heir of Charlemagne will be dominant? Charles the Frank, or Louis the German?

Germany brings the Population and Industrial Power to the table. France brings the Diplomatic Net, the UN Veto, and the Nuclear Umbrella. Who shall rule?

If Germany can strike a rapprochement with the US at this stage, regaining the friendship of Pro-US Spain and Italy (neither of whom are big enough to rule the EU, but both of whom are big enough to matter), while leaving France out in the cold, she gains another coupla cards to play against France in their mutual quest for dominance over the European Union.

Deutscheland Uber Alles power play. That's how it makes sense to me, anyway... (and I'm largely Prussian German, for whatever that's worth).

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

See your #9; raise you my #10.

Think we see some similar dynamics at work.

[nopardons]

I think you're both right . :-)

[TexKat]

Okay, what does he want in return. Schroeder and his bud Chirac are up to something. This pic is from today 9/18/03:

German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder greets French president Jacques Chirac in the courtyard of the chancellory in Berlin. Germany and France are expected to unveil a joint initiative designed to stimulate growth in the European Union.(AFP/DDP/Michael Urban)

Just what are they plotting now.

[bart99]

Appreciate your blog...... terrific article link to the Arab News there. Nice to read.

B.

[WOSG]

That's fine but - show me the money, we've got Iraqi loans that you can write off and new investments to make. ... we are putting over $100 billion into this. $2 billion or better to open, Mr Schroeder, are you in? and when are you taking over bosnia for us?

[Tunehead54]

Until the last paragraph this editorial could have been written honestly by any red-blooded American. Are Beemer sales down "big time"?

One possibility is that Germany is dumping France for economic advantage in Iraq but the S-J pics suggest otherwise. Also note this wasn't a speech delivered in Germany for the populace and the world - this was directed to the libs here (NYT).

---

Thus I suspect its simply a ploy to get the lib opinion pushing the "UN should control Iraqi development" line.

"See", they'll say, "They agree with us and forgive us - they just want to do it with the UN" - and the frogs save face by not having to say sorry.

Oh, in case anyone's wondering, if the UN actually gets contol of Iraqi development I can guarantee things will go very badly and the US will be "responsible".

G'nite. ;-)

[TexKat]

Euro-zone culprits Germany, France unveil stimulus plan

Schroeder, Chirac, Blair to Try to Heal Iraq Rift

Tony Blair looks on as Gerhard Schroeder chats with Jacques Chirac. The three leaders will meet in Berlin for a summit aimed at putting their differences over the Iraq war behind them.(AFP/POOL/File/Yun Jai-hyoung)

[danmar]

We Germans will not forget how the United States helped and supported us in rebuilding and reuniting our country. That Germany is living today in a peaceful, prosperous and secure Europe is thanks in no small measure to America's friendship, farsightedness and political determination.

Thank you very much to give credit were credit is due. Now, it would be very much apreciated to kindly remove the knife out of our back, while you are at it.

[austinTparty]

Actually, one area in which we have received consistent cooperation from the Germans is in anti-terrorist activity. It may not make it in the papers much, but there is much coordination between DOJ and their German counterparts.

[Dolphy]

What was that Condi Rice said...something like, punish the French, ignore the Germans and forgive the Russians? I have been somewhat frustrated by Bush's absence in reframing the debate. But it seems once again that the Dem dogs have chased an issue that may leave them all crowded around and barking up the wrong tree.