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US derides âchocolate makersâ
EFL & FU:The United States sneered at plans by four European countries to create an autonomous European military command headquarters near Brussels separate from NATO, referring to the ideaâs proponents as "chocolate makers." In unusually blunt language that drew surprised gasps from reporters, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher scoffed at Belgium, France, Germany and Luxembourg for continuing to support the proposal that they first introduced at a mini-summit in April. He described the April meeting as one between "four countries that got together and had a little bitty summit" and then referred to them collectively as "the chocolate makers." I believe this is called in diplomatic circles a "bitch-slap". The derisive phrase appeared to target mainly Belgium, which is known for its high quality chocolate confections, and on Tuesday reiterated its support for the new headquarters. After reflecting on his comments, Boucher immediately stood back, explaining that he had seen the phrase in press reports and saying that he should not have repeated them. "I said what?" At the same time, though, he repeated US opposition to the plan first outlined by Secretary of State Colin Powell, who called the creation of a new European military headquarters "unnecessary" shortly after it was proposed. "Weâve been strong supporters of the European Union, weâve been strong supporters of effort that was made by the European Union to create its own military and security capabilities and to do that in cooperation and in conjunction with NATO," Boucher said. "Weâve worked very closely with European governments, particularly in this administration, to work out the arrangements to that," he said. "We think thatâs quite sufficient, we donât understand why we need more military headquarters or training programs," Boucher added. "Itâs not like theyâre going to fight or anything." Posted by: Steve 2003-09-03 |
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