Transatlantic relations: Need to seek common ground on global issues

4.38.02pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Apr 2007

Graham Watson, leader of the Liberal and Democrat group in the European Parliament today accused the current Bush administration of damaging the good will and transatlantic cooperation built up over preceding administrations and taking an overtly unilateral approach to multilateral problems.

"The EU representatives at the summit next week with the US must speak plainly about the need fro closer dialogue and cooperation, beginning with understanding of each other's positions and confirm a willingness to seek common ground on the global issues of climate change, Doha trade round, Middle East and data privacy."

"The EU should also communicate the unequivocal message that Paul Wolfowitz must resign in order to protect the image and integrity of the World Bank." This message was also adopted by a majority of MEPs in paragraph 18 of the resolution following the debate.

Sophie In't Veld (D66, Netherlands) was in Washington last week with a parliamentary delegation, ahead of the EU-US summit, to discuss issues such as CIA rendition and data privacy in the fight against terrorism with members of Congress. Speaking today in Parliament's plenary, she said:

"The European Union is right to criticise the methods George Bush is using against international terrorism. But instead of complaining, the time has come for the European Union to speak with one voice and create its own policy to offer as an alternative to the Bush-method."