So much for the U.S. going it alone...

Queasy

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The Prime Ministers of Spain, Portugal, Italy, the U.K., Hungary, Poland and Denmark along with the President of the Czech Republic write the following op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal.

link

United We Stand
Eight European leaders are as one with President Bush.


Thursday, January 30, 2003 12:01 a.m. EST

(Editor's note: This article is written by Jose Mar&iacute;a Aznar, Jose-Manuel Dur&atilde;o Barroso, Silvio Berlusconi, Tony Blair, Vaclav Havel, Peter Medgyessy, Leszek Miller and Anders Fogh Rasmussen.)

The real bond between the U.S. and Europe is the values we share: democracy, individual freedom, human rights and the rule of law. These values crossed the Atlantic with those who sailed from Europe to help create the United States of America. Today they are under greater threat than ever.

The attacks of Sept. 11 showed just how far terrorists--the enemies of our common values--are prepared to go to destroy them. Those outrages were an attack on all of us. In standing firm in defense of these principles, the governments and people of the U.S. and Europe have amply demonstrated the strength of their convictions. Today more than ever, the trans-Atlantic bond is a guarantee of our freedom.

We in Europe have a relationship with the U.S. which has stood the test of time. Thanks in large part to American bravery, generosity and farsightedness, Europe was set free from the two forms of tyranny that devastated our continent in the 20th century: Nazism and communism. Thanks, too, to the continued cooperation between Europe and the U.S. we have managed to guarantee peace and freedom on our continent. The trans-Atlantic relationship must not become a casualty of the current Iraqi regime's persistent attempts to threaten world security.

In today's world, more than ever before, it is vital that we preserve that unity and cohesion. We know that success in the day-to-day battle against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction demands unwavering determination and firm international cohesion on the part of all countries for whom freedom is precious.
The Iraqi regime and its weapons of mass destruction represent a clear threat to world security. This danger has been explicitly recognized by the U.N. All of us are bound by Security Council Resolution 1441, which was adopted unanimously. We Europeans have since reiterated our backing for Resolution 1441, our wish to pursue the U.N. route, and our support for the Security Council at the Prague NATO Summit and the Copenhagen European Council.

In doing so, we sent a clear, firm and unequivocal message that we would rid the world of the danger posed by Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. We must remain united in insisting that his regime be disarmed. The solidarity, cohesion and determination of the international community are our best hope of achieving this peacefully. Our strength lies in unity.

The combination of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism is a threat of incalculable consequences. It is one at which all of us should feel concerned. Resolution 1441 is Saddam Hussein's last chance to disarm using peaceful means. The opportunity to avoid greater confrontation rests with him. Sadly this week the U.N. weapons inspectors have confirmed that his long-established pattern of deception, denial and noncompliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions is continuing.

Europe has no quarrel with the Iraqi people. Indeed, they are the first victims of Iraq's current brutal regime. Our goal is to safeguard world peace and security by ensuring that this regime gives up its weapons of mass destruction. Our governments have a common responsibility to face this threat. Failure to do so would be nothing less than negligent to our own citizens and to the wider world.
The U.N. Charter charges the Security Council with the task of preserving international peace and security. To do so, the Security Council must maintain its credibility by ensuring full compliance with its resolutions. We cannot allow a dictator to systematically violate those resolutions. If they are not complied with, the Security Council will lose its credibility and world peace will suffer as a result. We are confident that the Security Council will face up to its responsibilities.

Messrs. Aznar, Dur&atilde;o Barroso, Berlusconi, Blair, Medgyessy, Miller and Fogh Rasmussen are, respectively, the prime ministers of Spain, Portugal, Italy, the U.K., Hungary, Poland and Denmark. Mr. Havel is the Czech president.
 

AU Tiger

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It is good to see the rulers of countries other than England stepping up on the matter. My trust in the UN Security Council is as thin as my trust in France (which is non-existant). I don't believe the Security Council will do what Bush would like for them to do, thus it will be important for countries to show support outside of the UN for the actions that the United States will undertake. They meet on February 9th? I hope Saddam enjoys the next couple of weeks because his end is near.
 

GTaudiophile

Lifer
Oct 24, 2000
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Originally posted by: axiom
This is positive news. However, most of those nations are not among the UNSC lifetime members. France, China, Russia and Germany together pose strong opposition. Perhaps with the release of classified US intelligence their support will change in the favor of upholding the purpose of the UN.

I heard yesterday that Putin will endorse an attack...as long as Bush defends Putin's right to defend Russia against the terrorists in Chechnya.
 

Novgrod

Golden Member
Mar 3, 2001
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The real bond between the U.S. and Europe is the values we share: democracy, individual freedom, human rights and the rule of law. These values crossed the Atlantic with those who sailed from Europe to help create the United States of America.

hehehe America got its thoughts on individual freedom from Europe. That's funny. That's so funny to be humorous. Three-u humorous funny; now that's powerful stuff.

Dear messers Spain through the Czech Republic: The US invented republican thought with some help from messers Locke and his pals. But really it was unique.
 

Bluga

Banned
Nov 28, 2000
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These countries has like what? Three tanks?

rolleye.gif
Very impressive.

Theses countries are forced to make this joint statement because of USA's economical and political muscle, you have to look what's under the table.

Only France, Germany, China, and Russia has the power to say no. All other countries are childs at play.
 

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
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Originally posted by: Bluga
These countries has like what? Three tanks?

rolleye.gif
Very impressive.

How long has it been since the last military operation where the vast majority of the forces were supplied by the US? The important thing is that we have their support along with Turkey, Israel, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc.
 

AU Tiger

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 1999
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Originally posted by: Bluga

Only France, Germany, China, and Russia has the power to say no. All other countries are childs at play.

Which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things just doesn't belong?

Answer: France. The have no business being on the Security Council.


 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
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Originally posted by: EdipisReks
Originally posted by: Bluga
These countries has like what? Three tanks?

Spain, Italy, and the UK all have very respectable militaries.
Yeah but are they going to take an active role in the attack of Iraq? Also are those countries going to spend large sums of their own money to help the Occuption and retooling of Iraq?
 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
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Originally posted by: AU Tiger
Originally posted by: Bluga

Only France, Germany, China, and Russia has the power to say no. All other countries are childs at play.

Which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things just doesn't belong?

Answer: France. The have no business being on the Security Council.
Whys that, because you said so?
 

Ly2n

Senior member
Dec 26, 2001
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Originally posted by: EdipisReks
Originally posted by: Bluga
These countries has like what? Three tanks?

Spain, Italy, and the UK all have very respectable militaries.
I don't know about Spain or Italy, but the news said that the UK sent 26,000 troops to the middle east, and that it was 25% of their troops. That means that they have 104,000 troops total. Hardly a respectible military. I would expect that Spain's and Italy's forces are smaller

 

Bluga

Banned
Nov 28, 2000
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Originally posted by: AU Tiger
Originally posted by: Bluga

Only France, Germany, China, and Russia has the power to say no. All other countries are childs at play.

Which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things just doesn't belong?

Answer: France. The have no business being on the Security Council.

France is one of the only 5 permanent member of UN security council.

 
Dec 27, 2001
11,272
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Originally posted by: AU Tiger
Originally posted by: Bluga

Only France, Germany, China, and Russia has the power to say no. All other countries are childs at play.

Which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things just doesn't belong?

Answer: France. The have no business being on the Security Council.

Hehe. "Cheese-eating surrender monkeys"
 

Hayabusa Rider

Admin Emeritus & Elite Member
Jan 26, 2000
50,879
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Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: AU Tiger
Originally posted by: Bluga Only France, Germany, China, and Russia has the power to say no. All other countries are childs at play.
Which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things just doesn't belong? Answer: France. The have no business being on the Security Council.
Hehe. "Cheese-eating surrender monkeys"

Yeah, that was one of Hitler's. He was a funny guy.
 

novon

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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all those countries put together don't add up to one or two of the opposed to war nations
 
Dec 27, 2001
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Originally posted by: Hayabusarider
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: AU Tiger
Originally posted by: Bluga Only France, Germany, China, and Russia has the power to say no. All other countries are childs at play.
Which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things just doesn't belong? Answer: France. The have no business being on the Security Council.
Hehe. "Cheese-eating surrender monkeys"

Yeah, that was one of Hitler's. He was a funny guy.

Or was it Groundskeeper Willie. I guess you don't know the difference, idiot.
 

Hayabusa Rider

Admin Emeritus & Elite Member
Jan 26, 2000
50,879
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Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: Hayabusarider
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: AU Tiger
Originally posted by: Bluga Only France, Germany, China, and Russia has the power to say no. All other countries are childs at play.
Which of these things is not like the other? Which of these things just doesn't belong? Answer: France. The have no business being on the Security Council.
Hehe. "Cheese-eating surrender monkeys"
Yeah, that was one of Hitler's. He was a funny guy.
Or was it Groundskeeper Willie. I guess you don't know the difference, idiot.

Praise from a master is indeed gratifying. Thank you. :p
 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
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Originally posted by: Red Dawn
Originally posted by: EdipisReks
Originally posted by: Bluga
These countries has like what? Three tanks?

Spain, Italy, and the UK all have very respectable militaries.
Yeah but are they going to take an active role in the attack of Iraq? Also are those countries going to spend large sums of their own money to help the Occuption and retooling of Iraq?

 

BaliBabyDoc

Lifer
Jan 20, 2001
10,737
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How long has it been since the last military operation where the vast majority of the forces were supplied by the US? The important thing is that we have their support along with Turkey, Israel, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc.

Let's be honest . . .

Turkey will not oppose invasion if they get paid. Turkey will allow air/landing rights if they get paid a lot. Turkey will allow US troops to base operations there if they REALLY get paid.

Israel would endorse a US attack on ANY country in the Middle East. They will provide NO troops b/c the US wants to downplay Israel's role in any conflict.

The Australian PM's bluster does not match the citizen's perspective . . . even after the Bali bombing.

Saudi Arabia . . . supports America?!
rolleye.gif
Is there any evidence contradicting the Saudi role in financially sponsoring and providing the foot soldiers in terrorist attacks on America?

If Saddam was anywhere but next door, the Kuwaitis would NOT support US military action.

We pride ourselves on the power of democratic institutions and quality of our republic but the push to invade Iraq has little in common with those ideals. Our most significant ally is Blair NOT the British citizens. What all the pro-invasion people fail to mention is that EVERY head of state opposed to this conflict has overwelming support from their citizens for said perspective. The number of the "coalition of the willing" that can make the same claim is pitiful in comparison.

Yet the drums of war are still drowning out the pursuit of ALL other options. Let's be clear, you can invade after inspections, you can invade after new resolutions, you can invade after new revelations . . . there are all kinds of scenarios (including the use of WMD by Saddam) that make invasion a more reasonable course of action. Bush's body of circumstantial evidence doesn't cut the mustard.