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Bush tours Europe to rebuild relations
(China Daily/Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-22 02:58

BRUSSELS: US President George W. Bush yesterday tried to repair rocky relations with Europe during a trip this week that will bring him face to face with his strongest opponents of the Iraqi War.

Bush appealed to Europeans to replace disagreements over Iraq with what he called a new era of trans-Atlantic unity with a goal of spreading democracy across the Middle East. [Reuters]

After four years of tussle on Iraq, the Middle East and other issues, Bush urged unity in trans-Atlantic ties in a speech delivered here at the Royal Concert.

The alliance of Europe and North America is the "main pillar of our security in a new century," he said. "As past debates fade, and great duties become clear, let us begin a new era of trans-Atlantic unity," Bush said.

He urged both sides of the Atlantic Ocean to cooperate in issues such as the Middle East peace process, Iraq reconstruction, the promotion of economy and the fight against poverty.

"Our greatest opportunity, and our immediate goal, is peace in the Middle East," he said, adding that a free and peaceful Palestine can add to the momentum of reform throughout the broader Middle East region.

French President Jacques Chirac (L) greets U.S. President George W. Bush in Brussels, February 21, 2005. Bush met with Chirac for a dinner during his four-day visit to Europe. [Reuters]

On Iraq reconstruction, he said it is now time for Western countries to give tangible political, economic and security assistance to Iraq.

Iran and Syria

He added: "We are working closely with Britain, France and Germany as they oppose Iran's nuclear ambitions and as they insist that Teheran comply with international law. The results of this approach now depend largely on Iran."

Iran reiterated yesterday that it would not bow to US and European demands that it abandon uranium enrichment, stressing that its nuclear capability was "not for sale." Teheran insists its nuclear ambitions are strictly peaceful.

Turning to Syria, Bush called on Damascus to pull out its troops from its neighbour Lebanon.

Arab League chief Amr Moussa said in Beirut yesterday Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told him Damascus would soon take steps towards withdrawing its forces in line with the Taif agreement which ended Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war.

Yesterday is the first day of Bush's stay in Brussels. He met Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt in the morning.

Arms embargo

In some ways, the issue of China will play a role.

The visit comes as European countries consider lifting a 15-year-old arms embargo on China, a move opposed by the United States.

Analysts said Bush may use the visit to seek more support in his administration's bid to keep China's military power in check.

China has repeatedly called on Europe to lift the embargo, calling it a remnant of the Cold War mentality and stressed lifting the ban should occur as soon as possible.

(China Daily 02/22/2005 page1)

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