Germany sends first minister to Iraq since invasion

Reuters ^ | July 12, 2008 | Mohammed Abbas, Erik Kirschbaum, Tim Cocks, Jon Boyle

[Uncle Ralph]

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Michael Glos held talks with Iraqi officials in Baghdad on Saturday, becoming the first German cabinet minister to visit since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Germany opposed the invasion but his visit is the latest sign many foreign capitals are ready to upgrade ties with Iraq, where violence has fallen to a four-year low.

"The German minister confirmed his country's keenness to improve political and economic ties with Iraq and that German companies are absolutely ready to rebuild Iraq," a statement from Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih's office said.

The statement urged German and Iraqi businessmen to establish a joint forum in Iraq this year.

European interest in Iraq, especially its massive energy potential, has grown. The European Union is negotiating an energy pact with Iraq, part of the bloc's efforts to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas.

Glos has expressed alarm in recent months about the impact of higher oil prices on Germany's economic growth.

"No other country in the Middle East at the moment has such a large, untapped oil reserve," Glos was quoted as saying of Iraq in Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper due out on Sunday.

His visit comes two days after Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan travelled to Baghdad. Jordan's King Abdullah is expected to visit soon.

[Dawnsblood]

I hope they start to appreciate all the effort our guys and gals exerted to make this possible. But I doubt it.

[OKIEDOC]

Yep now that Uncle Sam has once again paid the price in blood the carpet baggers from Europe stream in like buzzards on a gut wagon.

[Nathan Zachary]

Sure Germany is now interested in “rebuilding” Iraq, mainly it’s oil refineries. Cheap under the table Iranian oil in exchange for illegal trade may soon become unavailable.

I say rebuilding Iraq contracts should go to companies whose countries helped do the heavy lifting in the first place, not to those who helped extend the life of Saddam’s murderous regime.

[elhombrelibre]

Progress in Iraq ping. When you see signs like this, you know the danger and heavy lifting are nearly over, folks. Those who denounced us will now eagerly enjoy the fruits of our sacrifices. The US is becoming like Israel. All the "peaceful" nations public pant and snear objections when she acts, but gladly accept the benefits.

[dixiechick2000]

What wonderful news!

Thank you so much for this ping.

The signs are there...it’s all (erm...almost all) goooood.

[SolidWood]

Good for the Iraqis, yes. But I’m getting headaches at the thought that the three Saddam-enablers France, Germany and Russia get involved in Iraqi business at our expense.

[109ACS]

...But I’m getting headaches at the thought that the three Saddam-enablers France, Germany and Russia get involved in Iraqi business at our expense.

The hard work is done, now it's time for the bottom feeders to show up.

[Allegra]

And it's such a lovely time of year to visit...

;-)

[Marine_Uncle]

The normalization of Iraq begins. Wonder what rock Reid will hide under.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel. or WOT [War on Terror]

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[elhombrelibre]

This must be terribly embarrassing for him, Pelosi, and the man-child, Obama.

[elhombrelibre]

They must have heard you were back.

[bray]

The war is over and we have won. President Bush will be hailed by history. Perhaps Iraq’s Congress will let Iraq expand its drilling as opposed to our idiots??

Pray for W and Our Troops

[Tennessean4Bush]

McCain needs to go campaign from Iraq. It will cause Americans to take another look at Iraq and focus on the progress the MSM will not show them on their own.

[Allegra]

The normalization of Iraq begins. Wonder what rock Reid will hide under.

It would be nice if he would slither back under the same one from which he came.

And stay there.

[FARS]

While “in Europe” - some Sunday humor for you in case you have not seen these.

French Missile Technology and also one titled Honesty.

http://alanpetersvideos.blogspot.com/2008/07/some-humor-for-you.html

[BARLF]

Bump

[FARS]

Are we forgetting the Iraqi Kurds (PPK) are holding three German tourists hostage?

[elhombrelibre]

I didn’t know who held them. I only knew they were snatched in Turkey.