Europe and America must stand united

The Times ^ | January 30, 2003 | Prime Ministers of Europe

[MadIvan]

THE real bond between the United States and Europe is the values we share: democracy, individual freedom, human rights and the Rule of Law. These values crossed the Atlantic with those who sailed from Europe to help create the USA. Today they are under greater threat than ever.

The attacks of 11 September showed just how far terrorists — the enemies of our common values — are prepared to go to destroy them. Those outrages were an attack on all of us. In standing firm in defence of these principles, the governments and people of the United States and Europe have amply demonstrated the strength of their convictions. Today more than ever, the transatlantic bond is a guarantee of our freedom.

We in Europe have a relationship with the United States which has stood the test of time. Thanks in large part to American bravery, generosity and far-sightedness, Europe was set free from the two forms of tyranny that devastated our continent in the 20th century: Nazism and Communism. Thanks, too, to the continued cooperation between Europe and the United States we have managed to guarantee peace and freedom on our continent. The transatlantic relationship must not become a casualty of the current Iraqi regime’s persistent attempts to threaten world security.

In today’s world, more than ever before, it is vital that we preserve that unity and cohesion. We know that success in the day-to-day battle against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction demands unwavering determination and firm international cohesion on the part of all countries for whom freedom is precious.

The Iraqi regime and its weapons of mass destruction represent a clear threat to world security. This danger has been explicitly recognised by the United Nations. All of us are bound by Security Council Resolution 1441, which was adopted unanimously. We Europeans have since reiterated our backing for Resolution 1441, our wish to pursue the UN route and our support for the Security Council, at the Prague Nato Summit and the Copenhagen European Council.

In doing so, we sent a clear, firm and unequivocal message that we would rid the world of the danger posed by Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction. 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. Our strength lies in unity.

The combination of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism is a threat of incalculable consequences. It is one at which all of us should feel concerned. Resolution 1441 is Saddam Hussein’s last chance to disarm using peaceful means. The opportunity to avoid greater confrontation rests with him. Sadly this week the UN weapons inspectors have confirmed that his long-established pattern of deception, denial and non-compliance with UN Security Council resolutions is continuing.

Europe has no quarrel with the Iraqi people. Indeed, they are the first victims of Iraq’s current brutal regime. Our goal is to safeguard world peace and security by ensuring that this regime gives up its weapons of mass destruction. Our governments have a common responsibility to face this threat. Failure to do so would be nothing less than negligent to our own citizens and to the wider world.

The United Nations Charter charges the Security Council with the task of preserving international peace and security. To do so, the Security Council must maintain its credibility by ensuring full compliance with its resolutions. We cannot allow a dictator to systematically violate those Resolutions. If they are not complied with, the Security Council will lose its credibility and world peace will suffer as a result.

We are confident that the Security Council will face up to its responsibilities.

SIGNED,

José María Aznar, Spain
José Manuel Durão Barroso, Portugal
Silvio Berlusconi, Italy
Tony Blair, United Kingdom
Václav Havel, Czech Republic
Peter Medgyessy, Hungary
Leszek Miller, Poland
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Denmark

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Europe and America must stand united

That's a load of crap. Europe already abandoned us. They've graphically shown us that they favor al-Qaeda over us. So let's kick the war into high gear. When it's over, we need to seriously re-evaluate our relationship with Europe.

[MadIvan]

That's a load of crap. Europe already abandoned us. They've graphically shown us that they favor al-Qaeda over us. So let's kick the war into high gear. When it's over, we need to seriously re-evaluate our relationship with Europe.

Please read the letter and the signatories. It's from what Rumsfeld would call "New Europe".

This is a major slap in the face to the French and Germans.

Regards, Ivan

[RobFromGa]

So, the Axis of Weasels currently are:
France
Germany
Belgium
Netherlands
Luxemborg
Canada
Ireland?
Susan Sarandon
Sean Penn
Hollywood
The Democrat Presidential Lineup (aka "The Seven Dwarves")
All other Democrats
George Clooney

[MadIvan]

I would leave the Netherlands and Ireland out of it - Ireland is allowing planes to refuel at Shannon, which given their constitutionally mandated neutrality, is pretty good.

The Netherlands is still forming a ruling coalition - their stance will depend on who comprises that coalition.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Just heard on the radio that Chirac and Schroeder are going absolutely potty over this letter. ;)

Regards, Ivan

[yellowroses]

Thanks for this post. God bless UK

[CharacterCounts]

Just heard on the radio that Chirac and Schroeder are going absolutely potty over this letter

How much play do you think it will get in the American media?

[Man of the Right]

That's more than enough cover to go in.

We'd do it alone. We're delighted to have the Brits. Any further support is a bonus.

[MadIvan]

How much play do you think it will get in the American media?

I sent Drudge the link. I recommend telling Rush and Hannity.

Regards, Ivan

[VaBthang4]

"Also, Juan Carlos, King of Spain, was the first head of state to visit the new President Bush in the White House."

I was part of an American Security detail for him back in 92. He seemed down to earth and impatient with anything that took longer than 3 seconds to explain. I got a kick outta watching him dismiss his different assistants before they were finished with their opening sentence. He had a Clintonian zeal for spotting the hotties.

Thanks Spain. But then again, you're one of our allies. No need to thank you for being what you are.

[VaBthang4]

Someone has put it up over at DU. It should be fun to read those comments. ~Grin~

[MadIvan]

I hope they bloody choke on it.

Regards, Ivan

[wimpycat]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/832133/posts

"Mr Aznar [Spain] 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."

Aznar is not doing this without political risk to himself. Yeah, I heard that Juan Carlos is a very laid back kind of guy. Spanish royalty is much less formal and more down-to-earth than British royalty...officially, that is.

[Man of the Right]

It doesn't matter much whether we get a second resolution in the Security Council. To the degree it does, we'll get the votes, no sweat. A veto marks the end of any influence over Iraq's future. Nobody will veto. We start with the U.S., U.K., Spain, Bulgaria and Chile. That's 5. A call from Bush or Powell delivers Mexico and Pakistan. That's 7. The African states--Angola, Cameroon, Guinea--are for sale for pocket change. That's 10. France will come over to the U.S. and the two francophone African countries at the last moment. That's 11. As goes France, so goes Germany. That's 12. Syria will vote against us. China will abstain. China always abstains. Russia will abstain unless Bush sweetens the deal. That's 12-1-2, and the end of U.N. involvement until we need them to do scut work after the liberation.

[steveegg]

Guess France and Germany are feeling a bit lonely right about now. I just hope that when they split apart again in their despair, we don't have to clean up the mess right away.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Axis of Anti-Weasels

Love it!!!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks for the ping!

Now the French and Germans have a bit of a problem!

[pgkdan]

It's wonderful to hear from the Europe that counts for something.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

My Grandfather on my mothers side was Danish!

Thanks!

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

What?! That can't be, the Netherlands is missing!