By Michelle Fitzpatrick - 7th May 2006
Germany plays a key role in the war on terror and the partnership between the US and Europe is “crucial”, says US president George W Bush.
In an interview with German daily Bild am Sonntag, Bush praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her support on Iran.
And he stressed that the crisis could still be resolved through diplomacy if the world’s nations worked together.
However, he added that “all options had to remain on the table”, indicating that sanctions against Tehran cannot be ruled out.
In the interview, which marked the end of Merkel’s visit to Washington, Bush said Merkel had been “strong” so far.
“It is very important that the Iranians know that Germany is cooperating with others in sending a clear message to Tehran.”
“It reads: striving for a nuclear programme, for nuclear weapons, will isolate Iran in the world.”
Asked what part Germany plays in the war on terror, the US president answered: “Germany plays a decisive role.”
“Germany is situated in the heart of Europe… and when the chancellor stands up and says that the war on terror has to be won and that it’s important for the safety of our people, then people the world over pay attention.”
On Iraq, Bush said he finally understood Germany’s stance not to back the war.
“I have slowly recognised that it is in the nature of the German people to loathe war,” he stated. “And I can understand that.”
But Bush stressed that it was important now to look forward and work together to achieve democracy in Iraq.
The president said that Germany was “essential” to the vitality of the EU, which is important to the US.
“We want our trade partners to be strong,” he said.
The president called the partnership between the US and Europe of “crucial” importance, noting that the cooperation went further than just the war on terror.
He cited examples such as trade – “Europe and the US benefit from the free and fair trade of goods”, the fight against Aids and the situation in Darfur.
“If the US and Europe stand together, we can improve the security and prosperity of our countries and at the same time carry out alleviate the suffering in the world.”
Bush also said he had a “friendly relationship” with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
“I can sit down at a table with him and ask him directly why he made this or that decision. And he can ask me what the intentions are of the US.”
“This relationship is not just important for the US. It is also of importance for European countries that the US has this relationship with Vladimir Putin.”
Bush admitted to concerns over economic nationalism, pointing to recent disputes where “oil companies were apparently used to achieve political goals”.
He also said that Russia is a country that has given “mixed signals” on its commitment to democracy.
However, Bush did point out that there is complete agreement with Russia over the war on terror.
Predictably, Bush stated the worst moment of his presidency came on September 11, 2001.
But somewhat surprisingly, the president’s best moment since taking office was catching a 3.4kg perch in his lake.
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