●Atlantic Show of Friendship: Obama Praises His 'Friend Chanc(2)_自考专本|专升本|高升专|高升本|在职研究生-学历教育网

Little Mention of the Financial Crisis

Obama and Merkel didn't shift from their statements made in Dresden concerning the controversy over whether Germany will take any prisoners from the Guantanamo detention center. Obama said that Germany's national security interests would have to be considered and that "we understand that." There had been no concrete demands made and Merkel had made no specific commitments, he said. However, Merkel emphasized twice that that Germany was not going to "shirk that responsibility."

The issue that has seen the greatest tensions between the two leaders was hardly mentioned -- the response to the global financial crisis and the German skeptism about America's massive state spending that could culminate in an even bigger stimulus package and an even greater budget deficit. It was made clear that these issues had already addressed during the president's recent visit to Dresden and in discussions with his economic advisers.

That left nothing but harmony in the East Room. The chancellor denied there were any differences with the new US president. Instead she praised him, saying he was very well informed and that he was didn't make promises he couldn't keep.

However even a good natured Obama cannot dispel the worries of many Europeans that they are becoming more marginalized in Washington in the face of the many political problems and increasing number of hot spots around the world. When the German chancellor was presented with the Warburg Prize for her contribution to trans-Atlantic relations on Thursday evening in the Library of Congress, only one out of a possible 435 members of the House of Representatives bothered to turn up.

Nevertheless, the Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi received Merkel on Friday morning and as a parting gift she invited the chancellor to address Congress on her next visit. This is regarded as a special honor, only given to a select few foreign leaders. The offer has most likely been approved by Obama's team. Of course no date has been set yet. After all Merkel has first to be re-elected in Germany's election in September.

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