Powell has yet another "very candid discussion" with EU foreign ministers.

[BurtWorm]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3281225.stm



Powell in rift with EU over Iran

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has failed to persuade European ministers to toughen their stance on Iran's nuclear programme.
After what he called a "very candid discussion" with EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Mr Powell said a draft European resolution was "not adequate".

The US wants Iran declared in breach of its nuclear treaty obligations, a move that could lead to UN sanctions.

But the German foreign minister said dialogue with Iran was worth the risk.

The EU resolution has been submitted to the UN's nuclear watchdog which meets on Thursday to discuss Iran.

Germany's Joschka Fischer was one of three foreign ministers who last month persuaded Iran to accept spot checks of its nuclear facilities and to halt uranium enrichment.

By contrast, the US has no high-level diplomatic ties with Iran, a country President George Bush has described as part of an "axis of evil".

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[KG]

1. the EU is becoming a power to rival the US

and and knows it no longer has to put up w/ US bullshit.

almost enjoyable to watch the EU collectively flip the bushista the bird.

[BurtWorm]

2. And yet, it would be enjoyable to see another FDR in the WH

outfoxing the Europeans. Someone on their par, but better. Instead we have a bunch of Wal-Mart managers trying to outmuscle them.

[KG]

3. seems the EUer hold some goodcards and are playing smart.

in a battle of wits, chimpy and co. might be tuff at home, but on the world stage, they are out-classed by the euros right now.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

6. exactly

It's rather amusing to hear Europeans decry America's empire or warmongering, considering their recent history. "A bunch of Wal-Mart managers trying to outmuscle them." That would be hilarious if it wasn't so true.

[starroute]

4. "Candid" generally means one step short of total breakdown

If disucssions with the EU have reached the "candid" stage, we'd all better hang onto our hats. Completely aside from what may or may not happen regarding Iran, US/EU relations have never been worse. One more glorious success to chalk up to Mr. Bush.


On edit: I noticed after posting that the actual words were "very candid." That's got to up it to about 6.8 on the diplomatic earthquake scale.

[KG]

5. candid probably means begging

since the EUers now know they no longer have to be bullied by the US.

the EUers know powell is a flat out lair, they probably laughed in his face.