Aznar praises US response to 9/11 in Capitol Hill address

[scoone]

4 February 2004
Spanish leader Jose Maria Aznar was received enthusiastically on Capitol Hill during his last visit to the US as prime minister. He addressed a packed joint gathering of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Like Bush, Aznar is under domestic pressure over the Iraq war and the intelligence used to justify it - but that did not stop him praising US foreign policy after September 11.He said: "The American people responded to the terrorists with an admirable lesson in civic-mindedness and responsibility. They penned one of the most beautiful pages of our era."

Meanwhile US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld emphasised that there was still no definitive proof that Iraqi weapons of mass destruction do not exist. He defended the quality of pre-war intelligence at a Senate committee meeting, saying it could never be perfect. President Bush is to unveil a commission to investigate the matter this evening. But opposition Democrats have already cried foul as the members are handpicked by Bush.
http://www.euronews.net/create_html.php?page=detail_info&lng=1&option=0,info

They penned one of the most beautiful pages of our era :| :petting:

[usa320]

SPAIN IS GREAT FRIEND TO US.

woot

[DPGLAW]

yeah, Spain is a great Ally to the United States. They stuck by us when may other traditional allies left our side during the run up to and during Irai Freedom.

In addition, they showed that they take very seriously the ideas that America is founded on and that Spain follows with as much admiration as us Americans. In addition they, unlike many others, showed by standing with the United States that, as the saying goes, "feedom isin't free".

We need more countries like Britan, Spain, nad Austraila on our side.

[EvanL]

yeah, Spain is a great Ally to the United States. They stuck by us when may other traditional allies left our side during the run up to and during Irai Freedom.

In addition, they showed that they take very seriously the ideas that America is founded on and that Spain follows with as much admiration as us Americans. In addition they, unlike many others, showed by standing with the United States that, as the saying goes, "feedom isin't free".

We need more countries like Britan, Spain, nad Austraila on our side.
Your traditional allies havent left you. They are still there. SOme of them just didnt agree that the Iraq war was part of the war on terrorism which so far has no connection to it other than one camp up north in the kurdish territory.
Your friends are still there. They arent mimics. Just because they dont do one thing with you, doesnt mean they have left you.

[MARINO]

Here in Spain we have benn suffering terrorism, during 40 years, but all the countries mus t fight terrorism together. I prefer to with USA tan with France and Germany which are always thogether and without other Europena countries.

[MARINO]

Politics - U. S. Congress

Spanish PM Pledges to Back U.S. on Terror
Wed Feb 4, 1:50 PM ET Add Politics - U. S. Congress to My Yahoo!


By KEN GUGGENHEIM, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who supported the war in Iraq (news - web sites) despite widespread opposition in his country, told a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday that Spain will continue to stand by the United States in the fight against terrorism.




Spanish PM Pledges to Back U.S. on Terror




The appearance gave U.S. lawmakers and administration officials an opportunity to salute Aznar, who is not seeking re-election after serving two four-year terms. Aznar has enjoyed close relations with both the Clinton and Bush administrations because of his strong stand against terrorism and his free-market policies. He was only the fifth foreign leader to speak at joint meeting in the last five years.


Aznar addressed a Congress that was in something of a turmoil following the discovery of ricin in the office of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist on Monday. Lawmakers have also been busy scrutinizing the budget submitted by President Bush on Monday.


Aznar stood before Vice President **** Cheney in his role as Senate president, House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and Cabinet members including Secretary of State Colin Powell and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. But many of the back rows of the House gallery were filled by pages and congressional aides — the way congressional leaders ensure that foreign dignitaries speak to a full house.


Aznar described Iraq and Afghanistan as "the most important phase of the fight against terrorism." In Iraq, he said, "terrorists are trying to prevent the Iraqi people from taking their own destiny in hand." Spain has sent 1,300 peacekeepers to Iraq.


"We refused to countenance the repeated violations of international law by Saddam Hussein's tyranny," Aznar said, speaking in Spanish. His audience wore earpieces enabling them to listen to a simultaneous translation.


Aznar did not refer directly to growing doubts that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, President Bush's main argument for war. But given the risk that such weapons could be used by terrorists, "we cannot stand by and do nothing," Aznar said.


Alluding to Iran and Libya's decisions to cooperate with nuclear inspectors, Aznar said "recent progress in the fight against the proliferation of these weapons would not have been possible had it not been for the firm stance we've taken."


Aznar has framed the fight against terror as a common cause between Spain and the United States. He has taken a tough stand against the militant Basque separatist group ETA and recalled that even before the Sept. 11 attacks, Bush expressed solidarity with Spain's fight against terrorism.


"We will never forget that gesture of support," he said.


He drew one of several standing ovations when he reiterated Spain's "solemn commitment" to the United States after the Sept. 11 attacks.


On other themes, Aznar said that a stronger European Union should not be seen as a counterweight to the United States and repeated a call for a financial and trade zone between Europe and the United States by 2015.


Aznar's conservative Popular Party is favored to win the March 14 elections. Aznar's hand-picked candidate, Mariano Rajoy, is leading the party's ticket.


http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040204/capt.pmm11002041944.spain_us_pmm110.jpg
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040204/i/r122818717.jpg
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040204/i/r220843792.jpg

[Kitsune]

I simply can't stand Aznar. His policy was from the start to work against this alleged "Franco-German" axis with all means possible. But in fact his policy of mindless antagonism make this axis more and more probable.
His predecessor was a man who knew how to fight for Spains interests. But he also knew how to draw the line. Aznar doesn't. He is incapable of teamplaying.
Sorry, but I have to say that I like to see him gone.

Please keep in mind that Spain is the nation in Europe, which is the biggest netto receiver of EU-money. All in all Spain receives nearly 10 billion € more than it gives, every year. (Germany for example pays 5.1 billion € more than it gets out of the EU). The Spanish should keep that in mind, when they are complaining again about this "Franco-German" led EU (rubbish by the way) which is constantly oppressing them (in what way? Ah yes....this 3% thing, again. I forgot. At least I tried to.)

For the Americans Aznar is of course a great friend. People like him will always kiss America's butt as long this nation is so powerful. But do not forget that this is the main reason. Its easy to find "friends" like that one. For Aznar, ingratiating himself with the US is a means to strenghten Spains position in Europe.

And with this he is stepping over the line. He is practically begging the US to make him another trojan horse of theirs. An attitude like his will, in the end, damage all European nations...including Spain.

[Pille1234]

What else than praising the us iraqi policy can Aznar do? Start critizing it to admit, that his own policy was wrong? Praising the US is nothing but praising his own governtment, so not worth to mention.

[usa320]

Im sick of paranoid europeans that think America is out to get them. Get a ****ing life morons.

God damn.

The same people that bitch now are the same people that will bitch when Al Queda decides to hit Europe. They will come crying to the US to help. Being the people we are, we will help. But frankly, we shouldnt. Europe didnt help us, why would we help them...only reasons is because we are better than someone who wouldnt.

And its not an issue of rather or not Al Queda will hit Europe, its merely a matter of when.

[Kitsune]

) I do not think that the US want to "get Europe". But I do think that some members of the higher echelons of the US government take the idea of a future EU rivaling the US much more serious than budanksi does...and some will contemplate to take measures against this. Playing one European nation against another for example. Enhancing antagonisms. I am also think that this is NOT the case with all Americans or even all members of the government. Only some. We will see.

2)Well usa320...if terrorists do hit Europe (not that it hasn't happened before) I for my part will not beg the US for help. You can count on that. ;)
I think a European Union consisting of 25 nations, more than 450 million people and representing more than a quarter of the worlds GDP should be able to defend itself. And if we can't we have to learn it.
God damn.

p-)

[MARINO]

I simply can't stand Aznar. His policy was from the start to work against this alleged "Franco-German" axis with all means possible. But in fact his policy of mindless antagonism make this axis more and more probable.
His predecessor was a man who knew how to fight for Spains interests. But he also knew how to draw the line. Aznar doesn't. He is incapable of teamplaying.
Sorry, but I have to say that I like to see him gone.
Are you spanish? With Aznar we are having one of greatets ages since, 250 years, his predecessor was a corrupted man who stole a lot of public money, with his frineds. he totally destroy our armed forces, he was the worst spanish presedent of history, even worst than republic presidents.
And Aznar leave presidence beause he wants nobody has kick him from the power. And i know that his successor another member of Partido Popular who will propabli win presidential election will do as well and will do a great alli of USA, and for all European, Be with USA didn't mean to be against Europe, and be with Europe don't means to be against USA.
I'm proud to be an American alli but i'm also proud to be a european.
And i'm specially and totally proud to be Spanish

[MARINO]

2)Well usa320...if terrorists do hit Europe (not that it hasn't happened before) I for my part will not beg the US for help. You can count on that. ;)
I think a European Union consisting of 25 nations, more than 450 million people and representing more than a quarter of the worlds GDP should be able to defend itself. And if we can't we have to learn it.
God damn.p-)
We Spanish we don't need US help, be are now being attacked, by terrorism, and this since 60's .But for you..
You had always need help from USA, WWI, WWII, Balkans was our (us, Europans)problem not american problem.

[Kitsune]

With Aznar we are having one of greatets ages since, 250 years, Well... Iam sorry that the last 250 years were so bad to Spain...my condolences.

I do not know wether most Spanish think that Aznar is a great president...he is not overly popular. Is he a competent ruler as far as Spains inner politics are concerned? Well, I hope so, since his foreign policy seems to be pretty messed up. But...it is MY opinion, if I say that I like to see him gone. But as a non-spanish I have no say in that matter (lucky Aznar...if I had, he would be long since gone p-) ).


Be with USA didn't mean to be against Europe...well in Aznars case it does mean that sort of thing. Thats exactly the problem I have with him...

and be with Europe don't means to be against USA....not if they accept that some Europeans disagree with them. But unfortunately many Americans seem to have trouble with this.


I'm proud to be an American alli...well I wouldn't be. Just think about Aznars motives. If Terrorists had attacked France and not New York, if Chirac would have accused Iraq of having WMDs and had presented the very same "proofs" as the US government had done...and if Bush had decided NOT to partake in the French attack on Iraq...whom do you think Aznar would have supported? I say...the USA !!! Because they are more powerful than the French. I would not be "proud" of Aznars stand. It's opportunism.


but i'm also proud to be a european...now that's a reason to be proud. woot I agree wholeheartedly.

And i'm specially and totally proud to be Spanish...and this is how it should be. :D

[MARINO]

Aznar could be very unpopular but he won to elections and if he doesn't live politics, he will won again(his party will won again).
Aznar is European, and he want to be in Europe, but the problem is that France and Germany think that they cand do that they want with all Europe. For example with the votes in EU, were Spain should have 27 votes , but F&G want that we have only 19, while France, Germany, Italy and GB have 29, and Spain could not accept this. If you thik that denfend our interest menas to be against Europe, Felipe gonzalez said always yes to France and Germany, even if that was a bad thing for spain, he was not a good preseident. This 250 were bad because they were 150 years of wars and civil-wars, and 100, for being ignorated by the rest of Europe.

[usa320]

But I do think that some members of the higher echelons of the US government take the idea of a future EU rivaling the US much more serious than budanksi does...

rofl

yes, we really want to invade france...[/quote]

[Kitsune]

I knew it... ;)

[scoone]

I think that Europe must stand together, and if one/s of it's members wants to support USA or any other country, is not enough excuse to mess up the whole Union. I'm very proud of being European,Spanish (and of course galician which for me is the same as spanish) woot , and I don't mind what France and Germany has done , they were in their right to avoid any kind of participation in the Iraq war, here in Spain a lot of people is against the war. So , this sort of misunderstandings might damage the EU, but, we are all part of it, so I see no reason to regret from France or Germany , they just did what they thought it would be the best choice, so , no problem for me. Spain has a brigade deployed in Iraq, it was a political decision which was accepted by us, we were on our right to support the USA.That's all, we don't hate anyone.Spain is not a rich country and of course we need help from other countries, we help as much as we can.

[2Sheds_Jackson]

For me, actions speak louder than words. If he's supporting us - great. I can't critique him for what some think he may have theretically done in some alternate scenario.

He prolly feels that Spain's goals are better served by being a US ally. Maybe he and the EU differ on the future of Spain. That's his call. I wouldn't expect the PM of Canada to endorse Mexico's plan for Canada if he didn't like it. Why would anybody expect a leader to accept a 2nd best option for their nation?

Sort of appears that the EU is really just a union on paper. Pretty deep divisions of opinion there on the big issues.

[scoone]

Europe is really a Union woot (not only in paper), no borders, same money, common parliament. The Iraq issue is not going to destroy such union. And many times, politicians take decissions which don't represent the main part of the country popullation. You may see Germany and France gov's standing together, but, we all feel europeans and we'll support each other as much as we can when it's needed.
:hug:

[Kitsune]

I was more reffering to Aznars (Spains) role with the European constitution...23 agreed to it, 2 didn't. Among them Spain. But the Aznar signed "Letter of Eight" wasn't a good thing for Europe either...but good for the US. Surely a reason to pat his back now.




Sort of appears that the EU is really just a union on paper. Pretty deep divisions of opinion there on the big issues.


That's of course a hypothesis.

But one thing: Before the war started there were opinion polls all over the EU, wether the population supported the idea of war to disarm iraq. In all (and as far as I know without exception) EU countries 70% to 80% of the population were against it...in contrast to polls made in the US, who showed quite a different result.
This was as true for Spain, Italy, Great Britain and the Netherlands (who supported the war) as it was for Germany, Belgium or France (who were against it...in fact more Spanish or Italians were against it than Germans :lol: ).
So it seems that GOVERNMENTS differed in their opinion. But the peoples of Europe had a very homogenous opinion.

And second:
Economics.
Trade with other EU nations is VASTLY more important for Spain, Poland even for Britain, than trade with the US. And you simply can't seperate economics from the rest.


So chances for the European Union to start a cooperating on a political level are probably not that bad. As long as we are not discouraged by the first opportunity.

We will see.

[-Max2-]

Sort of appears that the EU is really just a union on paper

:cantbeli:

[scoone]

So it seems that GOVERNMENTS differed in their opinion. But the peoples of Europe had a very homogenous opinion.

I agree 100%, there were a lot of demonstrations against the war all over Europe.

[MARINO]

Aznar don't want to destroy Eu he only defend Spain interest we must have 27 voices in parliament, we are 1 of 5 greatest nations of Europe, so wee must be in equal conditions. The rest of Europens thougth that we shouldn't have this powe but Why?
Az nar succssero will the same policy in Europe.

[Kellhound]

I don't like politics, and i don't like politians.
And if you think Gonzalez government let the army in shambles, then what is doing Aznar since the first day? Cause we're going downslope since 96.

[MARINO]

I don't like politics, and i don't like politians.
And if you think Gonzalez government let the army in shambles, then what is doing Aznar since the first day? Cause we're going downslope since 96.
Yes but he will increase defence budget, buy new units for Armada, and Navy. All my family was in the army and they prefer Aznar defence politics(even if they had Trillo) before socialist ministers

[Loco]

I simply can't stand Aznar.
Sorry, but I have to say that I like to see him gone.
Kitsune, you´ve 2 chances: You can ask for spanish nationality, and learn 2 languages if you live where I live, or you can stop of breathing till you blow up, but complaining in the way you usually do about Spain I found sincerely is silly, boring and boyish.
http://www.comedix.de/grafik/figuren/pepe.gif



Please keep in mind that Spain is the nation in Europe, which is the biggest netto receiver of EU-money.
As I told you, or was to anyother "old" european?, all I want as a basque and spanish of Europe is money, cash, that´s all, I know the most of western europe, scandinavia included, and I like it but I don´t want to share my life nor my sovereigns decissions with them. I don´t want to be you. Really, I´ve enough money like the people around me, more money than the medium average european, but I want more money. So you and your class mates study hard because you´ll have to pay my salary when I´ll be retired and you´ll have to pay the school of the kids I´ll have. You germans were born to pay us spanish. Don´t complain any more.
And now, if you want to talk about economy, seriously, you say day and hour in this place, because I´m tired of reading alway the same nonsenses. UE don´t give Spain a cent, UE invest some money of taxes in civil works like roads, bridges, and etc, and a lot of this money is invested in Spain under the clauses dealed in 1985, when Spain entered in the UE: we factories subventioned by the state which and where sold to foreing companys, like Seat to Volkswagen and many others more, and talking about Seat we could talk long about a chance we lost to kick the ass of a bastard called Piech, because that´s what he deserved. Since 1985 the trade balance between Germany and Spain is biiiiiger than this date before, and that balance favours Germany clearly, so you could say the money UE invests in Spain is a well paid money, because many german workers earn a salary selling their products to Spain, not at the contrary. Man, you germans aren´t what you say about yourselves, it´s like the story of your dopped athletes. Your economy is a mess, you break all rules one time and another time, the result is that today not only you sell a lot to Spain, but Spain invest lots of money in Germany, it´s incredible, but by every 1 euro Germany invested in Spain last year, Spain invested 3 euros in Germany!!! Not to talk the scandal of your telephon licenses of 3º generation, you literally have done the biggest robbe of whole history.
And I say by nº time: you are german, you aren´t europe. Talk about yourself, not about all of us. Who in the hell do you believe to accuse Spain of defending our interests? You don´t like Aznar, nor me, but he did well with USA, and you like Schroeder, not me because he´s more liar than a carpet seller. I liked more Kohl, appart he has some hobbies similar to mines, he had a true sense of Germany, Europe and trans-atlantics relationship. I, as a spanish, can critize USA openly and without remorse if I don´t like some things of its policy, but you as a german simply can´t do it, whether if you like or don´t. And more study and less militaryphotos forum, remember tomorrow you´ve to work for me.

All in all Spain receives nearly 10 billion ? more than it gives, every year. (Germany for example pays 5.1 billion ? more than it gets out of the EU). The Spanish should keep that in mind, when they are complaining again about this "Franco-German" led EU (rubbish by the way) which is constantly oppressing them (in what way? Ah yes....this 3% thing, again. I forgot. At least I tried to.)

For the Americans Aznar is of course a great friend. People like him will always kiss America's butt as long this nation is so powerful. But do not forget that this is the main reason. Its easy to find "friends" like that one. For Aznar, ingratiating himself with the US is a means to strenghten Spains position in Europe.

And with this he is stepping over the line. He is practically begging the US to make him another trojan horse of theirs. An attitude like his will, in the end, damage all European nations...including Spain.[/quote]

[Kitsune]

Hey stay cool Loco ! ;)
I do not like Schröder, too.
(I tried to dispose him once, it hasn't worked. I'll get him next time. :-*$ ) But I do like Aznar even less. And you will have to live with it, cause I criticize anyone I like, anyhow I like, anytime I like.

And if you want to take Spain out of the Union...well try. If you succeed, I would be sorry to see it gone, but I will learn to live with it. Get back your peseta if you like. And you will learn how to live with that. Bon chance. (Ah...that was french...whatever ;) ) In that case even less Germans will invest money in Spain, and I certainly will not. As for the money Spanish have invested in Germany...no one has forced them to do it. Please remember that.

And If you really think you don't need those 100 and some billion € Spain received over the last 10+ years, would be a nice touch to pay them back. I'm sending you my account number per PM ;) .


And just a tip: Think of your bloodpressure now and then. Try Yoga. Perhaps it helps.

[MARINO]

YO ya no se como decirtelo chico.
It's nothing bad Spanish expression.

[Loco]

Are you spanish? With Aznar we are having one of greatets ages since, 250 years, his predecessor was a corrupted man who stole a lot of public money, with his frineds. he totally destroy our armed forces, he was the worst spanish presedent of history, even worst than republic presidents.

Esto...ehhhh...Marino, aquí me temo que la cagaste, macho, el coche te derrapó y nos fuimos a la mierda, pero todos, hehe, te lo digo en castellano porque no sabría como decirlo todo en inglés con los "matices" necesarios y prefiero que no lo entiendan, en finnnsss, amigo mío, que ni tanto ni calvo, como que eres un poco mucho excesivo, eh???
Certainly, the last 250 years we have bad moments and good too, many good moments before Aznar, The Man, blessed us spanish with his management. But I agree basically with Aznar in the matter of the european constitution, and I´d say the 80% of spanish, and I agree with being with USA, but I don´t agree with been against France or Germany nor this is that situation. And conditions change a lot, what if a democrat president is in the White House in november?? A critic I´d do to americans is you don´t look so much to your own navel, there´s life out there! USA is traumatized by 9/11, but what I find annoying is that americans now try to teach us that integrist-islamics and terrorists in general are a threaten, what the f*·#! We knew it before long time ago, you only have to read the news of today in Moscow. What is wrong is the way Washington managed this crisis, and the Bush purpose of blaming and insulting the countries that don´t share exactly his own points of view. I´m sure one day Washington and spanish won´t look the things in the same things and it´s good WHouse knows that the world is not for playing the music Bush wants. In what I´m concercened, I like my country being friend of Washington, and Berlin and etc, but I don´t like americans think we like being elogiated like if we were a puppet because others countries like it, and I don´t like it
because we are singulars,
http://www.rinconpepe.com/famosos/images/anne01.jpg

we are originales,
http://www.labutaca.net/50sansebastian/imagenes/rossydepalma2.jpg

we are immutables,
http://www.fotored.com/fotos/manuelh.jpg

we have muscles,
http://suse00.su.ehu.es/euskonews/0045zbk/argazkiak/goe.jpg

and we know how to use them if it´s necessary, ;)
http://pobladores.lycos.es/data/pobladores.com/as/te/asterixproducciones/channels/asterix_producciones/images/2980465cnxt0017.jpg

And good night, it´s friday night and someone more beauty than the one of the first photo and more angry than the one of the last pic is waiting for me.

[Loco]

asd

[MARINO]

Esto...ehhhh...Marino, aquí me temo que la cagaste, macho, el coche te derrapó y nos fuimos a la mierda, pero todos, hehe, te lo digo en castellano porque no sabría como decirlo todo en inglés con los "matices" necesarios y prefiero que no lo entiendan, en finnnsss, amigo mío, que ni tanto ni calvo, como que eres un poco mucho excesivo, eh???
we are originales,
http://www.labutaca.net/50sansebastian/imagenes/rossydepalma2.jpg rofl rofl rofl rofl rofl
Vale, pero no me pongas a la Rossi :bash: esta que se va a creer esta gente de las españolas, que las unicas que las ganan son las escandinavas y las holandesas.

[Loco]

And if you want to take Spain out of the Union...well try. If you succeed, I would be sorry to see it gone, but I will learn to live with it. Perhaps it helps.
Certainly, Kitsune is the only animal that stumbles three times in the same stone, it doesn´t matter, Kitsune,my friend, in 2094 you and me will be bald, ;)
eh...my blood pressure is right, I told you, every day more every day I looke more Kohl, that´s a peaceful man. And learn, is you who can get out of EU if you don´t like the rules, but we aren´t in EU for saying ja wohl, those days have passed. And work hard, I DO WANT your money.
Good night.

[Kellhound]

Trillo... I've seen him too many times in person and i alwais end up wanting to strangle him.
But it wouldn't be painful enough.
:fork:

[Kitsune]

Loco wrote:

Certainly, Kitsune is the only animal that stumbles three times in the same stone

Well...I am rather stubborn, if that is what you want to say. p-)