Schroeder says that he's sorry

DinoDoc · April 20, 2003, 15:35

Quote:

BERLIN -- Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said yesterday that he deeply regretted exaggerated remarks critical of US moves against Iraq that soured his relations with President Bush.

In a further attempt to repair US-German relations strained by his outspoken criticism, Schroeder said he was confident that the dispute over Iraq would not cause long-term problems between the two countries.

''I deeply regret there were exaggerated comments, also from Cabinet members of my previous government,'' Schroeder told Der Spiegel magazine when asked if there were ''grounds for self-criticism'' for damage he caused to US-German relations.

The declaration was the furthest Schroeder has gone in trying to mend fences with the US.

He and his center-left government had criticized US steps against Iraq, right up until the war started. Early this month, Schroeder began making a slow retreat, saying for the first time that he hoped that US-led forces would win the war quickly.

Last week he said, ''It is always good for mankind when a dictator is removed.''

In speeches in his reelection campaign last year, Schroeder derided plans to attack Iraq as a military adventure that would ''set ablaze'' the Middle East.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/110/nation/Schroeder_regrets_his_US_criticism+.shtml

Chris 62 · April 20, 2003, 15:37

Lucy may forgive him.

Ted Striker · April 20, 2003, 15:37

WOW

This is unheard of.

Winston · April 20, 2003, 15:39

He should form an axis of apologizers.

A coalition of the sorry fellows, so to speak.

Chris 62 · April 20, 2003, 15:40

The Axis of Weasel ain't what it used to be.

Lancer · April 20, 2003, 15:40

As expected. The Germans woke up in a night muck sweat and saw who they were in bed with. They are now screaming for the door.

It was...folly.

Spiffor · April 20, 2003, 15:40

Schröder is right to apologize for the excessive barking that has been done by him and his government. An example Chirac and Rumsfeld should follow.

I also am pleased he doesn't apologize for Germany's position against the war. Had he apologized for being against the war before, he would have been purely ballless.

Bereta_Eder · April 20, 2003, 15:41

apologys is cheap now he's in power

Ted Striker · April 20, 2003, 15:42

Quote:

Originally posted by paiktis22
apologys is cheap now he's in power

True.

Maybe it will help him get reelected.

Lancer · April 20, 2003, 15:44

"Completely ballless"

Like refusing to lift UN sanctions against a freed Iraqi people? Total lack of character in France and Russia these days.

red_jon · April 20, 2003, 15:44

To be honest no politicians seems to have had honourable means for being for or against this war.

Bereta_Eder · April 20, 2003, 15:44

he'll think of something the next time too

better to do something about that deficit and a little bit about the rigidity of the job market first though

Bereta_Eder · April 20, 2003, 15:45

Quote:

Originally posted by red_jon
To be honest no politicians seems to have had honourable means for being for or against this war.

except Sweden

Chris 62 · April 20, 2003, 15:45

I hear a Greek invasion is good for the economy...

Bereta_Eder · April 20, 2003, 15:47

Lies, don't believe them.

Chris 62 · April 20, 2003, 15:50

I hear the Greeks have WMD also...

Bereta_Eder · April 20, 2003, 15:51

No, we clean our toilets.

Spiffor · April 20, 2003, 16:00

Quote:

Originally posted by Lancer
Lke refusing to lift UN sanctions against a freed Iraqi people? Total lack of character in France and Russia these days.

I was away of the news this last 48 hours. I know France wanted for the UN to talk about the embargo, but does it now disagree with lifting it ?
In this case, big huge

to Chirac and his cronies. Murderers