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Election's over... Germany softens its hard line against war
GERMANY edged closer to a U-turn on its policy towards Iraq yesterday by making clear that new evidence of President Saddam Husseinâs weapons plans could dilute its resistance to a war. Statements by two Social Democrat foreign policy specialists have indicated a shift as Berlin begins to buckle under the strain of its argument with the Bush Administration. The German business community has been piling the pressure on Gerhard Schröder, the Chancellor. German exports to the US are already suffering from a strong euro-dollar rate and weakening American demand. Now there is the fear of a consumer boycott. Does this come as a surprise to anybody? I thought not... Joschka Fischer, the Foreign Minister, was yesterday showing no signs of wanting to shift the Government position and was dismissive of Tony Blairâs dossier setting out Iraqâs supposed war plans. âThe dossier is being tested, but, on first glance, it seems to just record known facts,â he told Stern magazine. Herr Fischer said that Germany would not take part in a war â âthat is a central election promiseâ â nor contribute to a military presence after an attack on Iraq. "Nope. Nope. Never..." "Joschka!" "Jawohl, Herr Bundeskanzler!" "Get me a cup of coffee and shut up." Leading Social Democrats are starting to open a line of retreat for the Government. They are suggesting that new evidence, beyond the Blair dossier, could bring Germany into line with other European countries. Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2002-10-02 |
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