Schroeder Regrets Words That Hit U.S.-German Ties

Reuters ^ | April 19, 2003 | Erik Kirschbaum

[jern]

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on Saturday he deeply regretted "exaggerated remarks" critical of U.S. moves against Iraq (news - web sites) that soured his relations with President Bush (news - web sites).

In a further attempt to repair U.S.-German relations strained by his outspoken criticism, Schroeder said he was confident the dispute over Iraq would not cause long-term problems between the two countries.

"I deeply regret there were exaggerated comments -- also from cabinet members of my previous government," Schroeder told Der Spiegel magazine when asked if there were "grounds for self-criticism" for damage he caused to U.S.-German relations.

The declaration was the furthest Schroeder has gone in trying to mend fences with the U.S.

He and his center-left government had criticized U.S. steps against Iraq right up until the war started. In early April, Schroeder began making a slow retreat, saying for the first time he hoped U.S.-led forces would win the war quickly.

Last week he said: "It is always good for mankind when a dictator is removed."

In speeches in his re-election campaign last year, Schroeder derided plans to attack Iraq as a military "adventure" that would "set ablaze" the Middle East, and angered Washington by refusing to send German troops to Iraq under any conditions.

Schroeder said Germany would not "click its heels" and follow the United States into a war.

His stinging criticism of the Bush government, including accusations it changed the goal of disarming Iraq to one of overthrowing President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), was hugely popular in Germany and helped Schroeder come from far behind in surveys to beat challenger Edmund Stoiber in the September election.

Tensions were further worsened just before the election when Schroeder's Justice Minister Herta Daeubler-Gmelin reportedly compared Bush's political tactics with those of Adolf Hitler -- an analogy she partially denied. Schroeder accepted her resignation shortly after winning a second term.

But Schroeder's sharp language sent the traditionally close relations between the world's first and third largest economic powers into a tailspin. Commentators in Germany called the last eight months an "ice age." Bush Administration officials have called the ties "poisoned."

SCHROEDER'S U-TURN

Bush pointedly did not congratulate Schroeder on his narrow victory. The two have not spoken since November. German media have reported Bush has declined to take calls from Schroeder.

"Even though differences of opinion on this question were so serious, it does not impair transatlantic relations," Schroeder said. "I think political leaders on both sides are professional enough to recognize relations are on a solid foundation."

Schroeder dismissed criticism he was making a U-turn to mend the dispute only after it became clear the United States would win the war.

"I view politics from a rational point of view, and do not like to ride in slipstreams," Schroeder said. "I don't have any problem at all cultivating contacts with the American president. They're necessary and desirable. But to measure this question on how long a handshake lasts is ridiculous."

Several German newspapers and television networks focused on a brief handshake between Schroeder and Bush at a NATO (news - web sites) meeting in November as an indication of the state of the ties.

[mombonn]

Let them eat kraut.

[Dog]

Schroeder is just sucking up.....if he and Chirac could stick it to us again they would..

[Chi-townChief]

Sorry, Fritz - too little, too late.

[BrooklynGOP]

Talk about sour kraut.

[The Wizard]

this is incredibly big

[The Wizard]

For the head of a country to applogize in public, is an extremely important thing and should be accepted by GWB, as I'm sure it will be.....

[Grand Old Partisan]

Yes, this is indeed an apology.

[Joe Boucher]

I don't care if Schroeder gets on his knees in the capital rotunda and kisses G.W.Bushes butt, I will never buy anything German again if at all possible. They and their economy can go even further in the toilet.

[Sloth]

"Even though differences of opinion on this question were so serious, it does not impair transatlantic relations," Schroeder said. "I think political leaders on both sides are professional enough to recognize relations are on a solid foundation."

Gerhard, you're so sweet... Of course we like you, just not in that way. I hope we can still just be good friends. We don't want to risk the transatlantic relations that we have now.

[Bogey78O]

translation: We're sorry you were so successful. Next time you fail we'll kick you when you're down.

[Mamzelle]

This rhetorical approach does give pause. I suppose the statement, "I'm confident you won't be offended that we gave aid and comfort to your enemies at a time you badly needed a loyal ally..."

This arrogance quite takes my breath away. I don't exactly know how to take it, which I suppose is one of its purposes--be so audacious that you distract the one you've offended.

[Asclepius]

"I view politics from a rational point of view, and do not like to ride in slipstreams," Schroeder said.

Angering a powerful ally to support a maniac dictator is rational?

[FRgal4u]

I agree, it is US's best interest to keep Germany happy in the axis weasel...

putin is not gonna risk his relationship with gw in the long run, russia is in economic shambles with oil prices going south, us-russia relationship is paramount for putin..

Germany, i never like schroeder, but i accept his words here...and let's not gorget Germany allow overflights over its airspace during the war...it could have block us from using its airspace..and in afghan, the germans are playing a leading role in keeping the peace there...if germany block the airflights over its space, our boys from uk has to fly across spain then turn sharply eatward to strike iraq - takes an extra 3 hrs of flight and limit the time spent over iraq in target drops..

germany, unlike france, did not actively campaign against the US in the world stage...we sould alwayz remember who disagree with us and yet did not campaign against us to play the counterweight role..

would be nice for gwb to warm the relationships with the germans and the russians..this will make the frenchies real real p'eeved and isolated...

lol..

[TomGuy]

Hey, Schroeder...just so we'll be clear, just in case the need arises...before accepting your apology, where do you stand regarding Syria?

[Jemian]

should be accepted by GWB,

Perhaps, but not yet. He's groveling now because his country is beginning to feel an economic problem. Groveling is good. Germany needs to grovel a bit more.

You are right, the apology should be accepted in time. However, what Germany and France need to realize, the economic problem they are now beginning to experience isn't from the government here. It is from Americans. I don't have to buy their products. George down the street can make a choice to buy their products, but right now George isn't buying. An apology to the US is not going to heal the rift with Americans. I'm mad and I'm staying mad. This sniveling, whining isn't working for me.

[elhombrelibre]

I'm with you or with your attitude about this. Schroeder isn't sincere. He's a very flawed man. He's had about 5 wives, and he's a real phony. He sues news papers about things like telling people what color his hair really is. He's very frivolous, much like the German people today. And he's naturally the man who is leading them towards a divorce from the US. Our country pays 79% of the cost to base Americans here! Then we employ Germans at their wages and goofy goofing off-all-the-time work schedules. This is a very strange arrangement. This country is a post Christian one, but they get every Saints Day off you can think of. It's kind of like their sucking up to Putin while claiming they're concerned by US war crimes in Iraq. Hello? Have you heard of Grozny, Claus?

[FreeCanuckistan]

Step right up Mr. Schroeder!

Today's special......homemade 'Humble Pie'....mmm' mmm' good!

And if the French join you....it'll be 'ala mode' for two.

I expectorate in your general direction.

[quesera]

I guess it's finally sinking in that the axis of weasels are not going to play any major role in rebuilding Iraq. They are not to be trusted, ever!