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Chancellor Merkel and President Bush Meet in Washington

Chancellor Merkel and President Bush at podiums address the media in the White House

White House: Chancellor Merkel and Bush address the media after their meeting in the Oval Office.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President George W. Bush have called for a reinvigoration of the Middle East Quartet. The European Union, the United States, Russia and the United Nations must work together at solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Merkel said after meeting with Bush at the White House on January 4. Transatlantic economic relations and climate protection were also topics of their discussion.

In her first visit as EU Council President and G8 President, the Chancellor pointed out the importance of international institutions in resolving conflicts, most recently demonstrated in the Iranian nuclear controversy. Through the early involvement of Russia and China, UN resolutions were adopted that presented Iran with limits.

Calling in the Middle East Quartet

The Middle East Quartet as well is an institution that requires a joint approach. The German EU Presidency is willing to take on this task, along with the European Commission. “I believe it is important—also in view of the not constructive forces of the Hamas—to make clear that the EU and the USA will not be played off each other,” Merkel said.

The US President said that the Middle East Quartet would meet soon. The goal is a two-state solution and at the same time recognition of Israel’s right to exist.

Chancellor Merkel walks down the steps of an airplane with Ambassador Scharioth

Airport: Ambassador Scharioth accompanies Chancellor Merkel as she arrives.

Shaping world trade more transparently

In view of the Doha Round taking place within the framework of the World Trade Organization, Germany is working toward the dismantling of tariffs and trade barriers. Though the participants must move toward each other, the Chancellor warned. “We want a success!” she said. “But we all know that the window of opportunity is not open infinitely.”

The European Union and the United States are pursuing the same goals here, Merkel was pleased to note. In connection with this she referred to the upcoming EU-US Summit in the spring, which will also deal with climate protection and the establishment of closer transatlantic economic relations.

“On the one hand, we obviously need economic growth, but on the other hand, a reduction, also of greenhouse gases,” Merkel said. The right way to better climate protection is improved energy efficiency and the use of new technologies. There is willingness also on the part of the United States to reduce emissions.

Transatlantic partnership of values

Leaders: Chancellor Merkel and President Bush met in the Oval Office. BPA photo

During its EU Presidency, Germany is also working toward a closer transatlantic economic partnership. The Chancellor emphasized that this joint project is not directed against international trade negotiations such as the WTO round.
However, both economies rest on the basis of common values that should be represented outward jointly. This includes patent law and the protection of intellectual property.

January 4, 2007

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