Bush Discusses Trade, Middle East with German Chancellor

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Bush Discusses Trade, Middle East with German Chancellor

Whitehouse photo by Paul Morse

President George W. Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave a joint press conference during Bush's final European trip as president. They agreed that economic sanctions may be an option for convincing Iran to abandon its nuclear program. Merkel, however, emphasized diplomacy as a first step.

EU & IRAN: With only seven months left in office, President George W. Bush is in Europe to discuss common interests with his European hosts. In a joint news conference, Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel briefly touched on issues that have divided and united the two countries during Bush's tenure.

by Laura Major
Informify Staff Writer
June 12, 2008

At Bush and Merkel's joint news conference in Germany Monday, Merkel focused on worldwide economic problems, the upcoming G8 summit and trade relations. Bush concentrated on the Middle East, mentioning trade relations and Iran's nuclear program only briefly.

Bush, Merkel Advocate Diplomacy with Iran

Although Bush didn't specifically rule out the use of force if Iran continues its uranium enrichment program, he did say that...

he wants more sanctions against Iran, including restricting its banks
his administration wants to work with its EU partners to influence Iran
"all options are on the table" (Associated Press, 6/11/08)
the choice is up to Iran

Merkel agreed, adding that the United Nations (UN) should be involved in all discussions of sanctions against Iran. The European Union has agreed to tighten its hold on Iranian assets held in European banks.

No Permanent Bases in Iraq

Bush stressed that—no matter the U.S. military's role in Iraq's future—the United States plans no permanent military bases in Iraq.

This topic came up because the U.N. mandate allowing the United States to be in Iraq legally expires this year. To continue its military presence, the United States needs to come to its own agreement with Iraq.

"And as I said clearly in past speeches," Bush said, "this will not involve permanent bases, nor will it bind any future president to troop levels... You can find any voice you want in the Iraqi political scene ... which is interesting, isn't it, because in the past you could only find one voice, and now you can find a myriad of voices. It's a vibrant democracy; people are debating." (Associated Press, 6/11/08)

Question for Readers:

What effect, if any, do you think President Bush's visit to Europe will have on U.S. foreign policy?

Iran's leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, continues to claim that the county's development of nuclear power is for electricity. The European Union (EU) disagrees and thinks Iran is enriching uranium for use in nuclear weapons.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana plans to visit Teheran to discuss new incentives and sanctions. But it doesn't look as though Iran is receptive.

"They think they can trample on the Iranian nation's dignity with such things," Ahmadinejad said. "We will not trade our dignity with anything. If they want to give us something, then they should sell it and we will buy it." (AFP, 6/11/08)

Q: What is the Doha Round?

A: The World Trade Organization created the Doha Development Round in 2001 to facilitate discussions on lowering trade barriers around the world. The talks continue but face major obstacles between the developed nations (the European Union, the United States and Japan) and the developing nations (led by India, China, Brazil and South Africa).

Q: Which countries make up the G8?

A: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Q: What is the G8 summit?

A: The annual meeting of G8 country leaders.

Q: What is the O5?

A: The Outreach Five (also known as the Plus 5) include Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa. In the past their leaders participated as guests at the G8 summit. France and the United Kingdom want them admitted as full participants.

(Source: Doha Round and G8, Wikipedia)