scoone
01-15-2004, 05:47 AM
WASHINGTON - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar was warmly welcomed at the White House Wednesday after saying in an interview that Europeans' perceptions of the United States as an empire explain President Bush (news - web sites)'s unpopularity there.
"The combination of being a Republican, of being an emperor, a Texan and outspoken is really a bad mix," Aznar, one of Bush's staunchest allies on Iraq (news - web sites) and other issues, said in an interview Wednesday in The Washington Post.
"To be politically correct in Europe, people cannot digest the mix that is George Bush as I have described him. They are allergic to that," Aznar said.
The prime minister said he had kidded Bush about his image in Europe, telling him he outdid former President Reagan in unpopularity. Bush replied, "That's not going to change me or my policy."
Despite opposition at home, Aznar strongly backed Bush's decision to invade Iraq. He has sent 1,300 troops as part of his continuing support for the U.S.-led coalition.
Meeting late Wednesday in the Oval Office, the two leaders appeared together before reporters to praise each other.
"Our time together has been very productive for the people of America and, I believe, the people of Spain and the people of the world," Bush said. "We have worked together to spread freedom, and the world is more peaceful today because of the decisions we've jointly made."
Added Aznar, sitting at Bush's side, "At present, the relationship between Spain and the United States is closer and tighter than it has ever been."
Aznar has said he will leave office in March after parliamentary elections are held, ending eight years as prime minister. Bush ****ounced the Spanish leader's last Oval Office visit in that post "a sad moment" and sent him off with a hearty two-handed handshake and public thanks for "your steadfast leadership, for your courage, for your wisdom and your advice."
After their meeting, the two leaders and their wives headed to a private social dinner in the White House residence.
In a speech Tuesday before the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (news - web sites), Aznar said Iraq is steadily moving toward a return to sovereignty despite continuing violence.
"Although the situation is difficult, things are improving in terms of security, in terms of the daily standard of living for the Iraqis," Aznar said. "Our goal of giving sovereignty back to the Iraqis is also improving. However, we have been heavily criticized and insulted. We have been sorely misunderstood."
At a news conference Wednesday, Aznar suggested a role for NATO in Iraq's future.
"I agree that the Atlantic alliance assumes responsibilities in the framework of an Iraqi operation," he said. "Without a doubt that will be a positive factor, and this is something that a great majority of the alliance members can discuss."
In the newspaper interview, Aznar suggested anti-American sentiment in Spain and the rest of Europe was the inevitable result of the United States being a superpower.
Spain was a superpower "and some still harbor resentment," he said. "Britain was a superpower. France was a superpower. It's your turn now. It's been your turn for a long time."
Seeking to explain Bush's bad reviews in Europe, Aznar said, "Let's face it, who likes an empire."
He said Europeans are often "swayed by cliches, too lackadaisical and in too much of a comfort zone or in denial" about the dangers of global terrorism and crucial world problems.
"That's why there is a huge learning curve that awaits us if we are to move into the future," Aznar said.
"The combination of being a Republican, of being an emperor, a Texan and outspoken is really a bad mix," Aznar, one of Bush's staunchest allies on Iraq (news - web sites) and other issues, said in an interview Wednesday in The Washington Post.
"To be politically correct in Europe, people cannot digest the mix that is George Bush as I have described him. They are allergic to that," Aznar said.
The prime minister said he had kidded Bush about his image in Europe, telling him he outdid former President Reagan in unpopularity. Bush replied, "That's not going to change me or my policy."
Despite opposition at home, Aznar strongly backed Bush's decision to invade Iraq. He has sent 1,300 troops as part of his continuing support for the U.S.-led coalition.
Meeting late Wednesday in the Oval Office, the two leaders appeared together before reporters to praise each other.
"Our time together has been very productive for the people of America and, I believe, the people of Spain and the people of the world," Bush said. "We have worked together to spread freedom, and the world is more peaceful today because of the decisions we've jointly made."
Added Aznar, sitting at Bush's side, "At present, the relationship between Spain and the United States is closer and tighter than it has ever been."
Aznar has said he will leave office in March after parliamentary elections are held, ending eight years as prime minister. Bush ****ounced the Spanish leader's last Oval Office visit in that post "a sad moment" and sent him off with a hearty two-handed handshake and public thanks for "your steadfast leadership, for your courage, for your wisdom and your advice."
After their meeting, the two leaders and their wives headed to a private social dinner in the White House residence.
In a speech Tuesday before the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (news - web sites), Aznar said Iraq is steadily moving toward a return to sovereignty despite continuing violence.
"Although the situation is difficult, things are improving in terms of security, in terms of the daily standard of living for the Iraqis," Aznar said. "Our goal of giving sovereignty back to the Iraqis is also improving. However, we have been heavily criticized and insulted. We have been sorely misunderstood."
At a news conference Wednesday, Aznar suggested a role for NATO in Iraq's future.
"I agree that the Atlantic alliance assumes responsibilities in the framework of an Iraqi operation," he said. "Without a doubt that will be a positive factor, and this is something that a great majority of the alliance members can discuss."
In the newspaper interview, Aznar suggested anti-American sentiment in Spain and the rest of Europe was the inevitable result of the United States being a superpower.
Spain was a superpower "and some still harbor resentment," he said. "Britain was a superpower. France was a superpower. It's your turn now. It's been your turn for a long time."
Seeking to explain Bush's bad reviews in Europe, Aznar said, "Let's face it, who likes an empire."
He said Europeans are often "swayed by cliches, too lackadaisical and in too much of a comfort zone or in denial" about the dangers of global terrorism and crucial world problems.
"That's why there is a huge learning curve that awaits us if we are to move into the future," Aznar said.