Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-03-09-Speech-3-239"
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"en.20050309.17.3-239"2
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".
President Bush's visit to Brussels, so early in his second term, sends an important political signal.
The message sent by the US President was twofold, firstly that the time for diplomacy has arrived, and secondly that Europe, and particularly the European Union, is considered to be an important partner.
The change in the administration may seem to have happened at lightning speed, but in reality the tone began to change several months back. It was very clear during the most recent, very successful, summit in Ireland. It was after the elections in November, though, that the offer of a new partnership with Europe and, more specifically, with the EU, was made explicit.
A new start like this is obviously in Europe's interest, especially if it is made in a spirit of true partnership and greater equality. None of today's major geostrategic issues are the subject of real disagreement. It is only on issues of society and the relative importance of multilateralism compared to national sovereignty that our approaches diverge. With regard to the crucial issues currently occupying the international scene, we can see a very broad convergence of opinions between the United States and the EU.
This is true, of course, of the Middle-East peace process, and it is now true of the stabilisation of Iraq. With regard to Iran, there is agreement on the two main objectives: Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and must contribute actively to combating terrorism. The United States is in close contact with the European Union to find a peaceful solution to these problems. As for Lebanon and Syria, I spoke about them a few moments ago.
In terms of the environment, it is true that the problems have not entirely been ironed out, but President Bush has recognised the existence of the serious problem of climate change. He has expressed a desire to work with the European Union to provide solutions, in particular in the field of research and technology, and to develop clean technologies, whilst integrating the emerging powers such as India and China.
Thus, without wishing to paint an idyllic picture of our relations
they are a long way from that
and without ignoring the subjects on which it will be the EU's duty to return to the attack, it nevertheless seems possible to take the view that this summit made it possible to demonstrate more effectively the important points of convergence that are providing a structure for transatlantic dialogue."@en1
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