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Countries declare 'old Europe' alive and well
The leaders of Spain, France and Germany — who all opposed the war in Iraq — declared the "old Europe" alive and well Monday and pledged to work toward a unified continent.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero hosted French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at a meeting symbolizing Spain's shift back to a Europe-oriented foreign policy, breaking with the former Spanish leader's emphasis on ties with Washington.
The three discussed the Iraq crisis and European issues, including the question of EU financing as the bloc tries to digest expansion to 25 members, including less developed ones from the east.
Zapatero called himself and his guests "fervent pro-Europeans" and alluded to US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's description of France, Germany and other countries opposed to the Iraq war as "the old Europe."
"If I had to describe the atmosphere of this meeting in just a few words, I would say 'the old Europe' is as good as new," Zapatero said. His remark drew a chuckle from Chirac.
The French leader said the continuing fighting in Iraq was a grave problem.
"We opened a Pandora's Box that we're unable to close," he said.
Zapatero ordered the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq immediately after taking power in April and made a point of visiting Germany and France — Europe's main opponents of the Iraq war — in his first series of trips abroad as Spain's new leader.
Zapatero last week called on other countries with troops in Iraq to follow his lead and bring them home.
The three leaders pledged to work toward common policies in the areas of foreign affairs, defense and borders. They also promised to spur economic development, notably industries like car manufacturing, aerospace and shipbuilding.
Schroeder said Zapatero has shown he wants Spain to play a strong role in Europe and praised him for concessions that led to the June approval of the EU constitution.
"It is ... a historic achievement in European history," Schroeder said. |
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