US and German Foreign Ministers Hold Talks in Washington

US and German Foreign Ministers Hold Talks

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Visiting German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer met Tuesday in Washington with US Secretary of State Colin Powell for talks on a wide range of topics concerning their key transatlantic relationship, including missile defense, European integration and the Balkans situation.

Fischer, the first German leader that paid a visit to the United States after President Bush took office last month, told the press that the two leaders had a "very good discussion" on the National Missile Defense (NMD), a Republican pet program that has been stirring up uneasiness among America's western allies.

West European leaders have expressed great concerns that the NMD plan would break up the strategic balance on the continent since Russia has seen the move as a serious threat to its nuclear arsenal and the security in Europe as a whole.

Powell, in an apparent effort to alleviate its European allies' worry about NMD, mentioned the revitalized star-war program in a restrained and conciliatory tone as he spoke at a news conference in the State Department Tuesday afternoon immediately after his meeting with Fischer.

"I reviewed for the minister our plans for missile defense and underscored that we will consult closely with all our allies, as well as with Russia and China, as we proceed with this initiative," Powell said.

"You mentioned NMD, and it was a very good discussion," said Fischer, who was also present at the news conference. "And we are looking forward for a close consultation within the NATO and on a bilateral level," he added.

The German Foreign Minister seemingly tried hard to soothe his American counterpart over the future of a more integrated and independent Europe.

Fischer said that the European integration is "one of the most important developments now for the Europeans," and will "create more peace and stability."

The development of closer ties among the Europeans, he added, is "also in the interests of the United States," and "it's not directed against NATO; it would strengthen NATO."

During the talks, Powell reaffirmed America's commitment to maintaining its military presence in the Balkans. The pledge came as a result of growing pressure from the Europeans, who have been crying out against any US attempt to withdraw its peace-keeping forces from the region stricken by consistent ethnic conflicts.

"We discussed the Balkan issues, and we are very -- very happy about your declaration that the United States will be fully committed in the Balkans," Fischer said.

The two sides have vowed to close ranks further in handling trans-Atlantic relations as well as in engaging other key issues or some hot spots, like the Middle East, around the world.

"We have a lot of common interests based on the same values, based on common interests, and we will very closely cooperate in the future to go ahead," Fischer said.