Posted on 03/10/2005 9:16:20 AM PST by Eurotwit
WASHINGTON-US President George W Bush sent a message of condolences to the Spanish people on the eve of the anniversary of the country's worst terrorist attacks.
But Bush sent the message to the Spanish media, apparently bypassing the Spanish Socialist government of Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
Bush and Zapatero have not enjoyed the best of relations since the Spanish premier withdrew Spanish troops from Iraq last year a month after being elected in a shock victory on 14 March.
Despite a brief meeting in Brussels earlier this month, the two leaders have not spoken since Zapatero became prime minister.
Bush failed to return Zapatero's call of congratulations after
securing a second term victory in November.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it did not know anything about Bush's message.
In his statement, Bush said: "On 11 March we remember the lives lost a year ago in Madrid.
"The world is united in our determination to beat global terrorism.
"We share a common belief in those values of liberty and in the sanctity of life. We continue fighting against terrorism and working for liberty so that the world is a more peaceful place."
Bush added: "Terrorists hate and want to attack any country in the world which defends democracy, tolerance and liberty. They kill innocents without compassion.
"To all those who lost a loved one on 11 March, this has been a year of sadness and pain.
"From all Americans, I send a message of compassion and solidarity on this solemn day. God bless the people of Spain and the souls of the absent."
He should have sent the Spanish people condolences for having lost their cajones in the bombing.
It is a backward place. But hey, they still host an F1 race!!!
It's really a shame because Spain is such a wonderful country otherwise. I was stationed there in the Air Force during the late 70's. They were finally shaking off the effects of having been under Franco for so long. They were gaining a new found pride in their independence. Then to slink into their scared little shells after the bombing in Madrid. It's very sad.
" At least they run a Formula 1 and the Barcelona to Dakar race."
It won't be long before they will hold those events in the Islamic & Basque Peoples Republic of what was Spain.
W did good here. I'm sure that there are thousands of Spaniards that do not agree with the leaders of their country. Just like there are good Russians and good Germans. Although I still haven't found a good Frenchman as yet, but there is still hope.
An honorable message. Bush has class.
"Although I still haven't found a good Frenchman as yet, but there is still hope."
The last good Frenchman was a French Woman named Joan.
There's one or two. I think they're both FReeprs.
I'll have to agree with you. For the famous Spanish machismo, they sure folded very quickly. I read an article about how embarassed their military leaders were when the troops came back. The Defense Minister had a big reception for them, reviewing the troops and all, and giving himself a medal. I think they bowed their heads in shame.
I hate to say it but maybe Franco was not all that bad. At least they had some pride in themselves.
I was born on an Air Force Base in Spain in the 60's. I went back in 1979 right after Franco died. It was a scary place. Every street corner had armed Spanish military. Very surreal.
It is such a beautiful country. It really is sad.
Were you born at Torrejon??
I was there when they had the attempted coup in the late 70's. We weren't really effected by it too much, though.
Well, aside from the dictatorship, I can't disagree with you. I think he was one of the least oppressive dictators in modern history.
I once told my wife (Spanish) the best thing that ever happened to the Spanish was getting some Chinese DNA.
|Shields Up|
Yes. I was born in Seville at Torrejon. Someone told me the Air Force is no longer on that base.
"I once told my wife (Spanish) the best thing that ever happened to the Spanish was getting some Chinese DNA. "
Spain would be a world power in just one generation.
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