World | USA
Obama and Merkel find much to discuss on renewable energy
US President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed climate change, the chaotic situation in Iran, the world economic crisis and the war in Afghanistan during an Oval Office meeting and lunch, the two leaders told reporters on Friday.
- By Michael A. Fletcher, Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service
- Published: 21:35 June 27, 2009
- Image Credit: EPA
- US President Barack Obama listens as German Chancellor Angela Merkel responds to a question during a joint press conference in the White House in Washington, DC, on Friday.
Washington: US President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed climate change, the chaotic situation in Iran, the world economic crisis and the war in Afghanistan during an Oval Office meeting and lunch, the two leaders told reporters on Friday.
With the House of Representatives debating an energy Bill that Obama had described as historic, Merkel - whose country has been a leader in pursuing renewable energy sources - said there "is indeed a sea change" in the US government's approach to the issue.
"This points to the fact that the United States is very serious on climate," she said, speaking at a White House news conference with Obama. (The House narrowly passed the Bill on Friday night.)
Also during Friday's news conference, the president again criticised Iran's crackdown on protesters challenging the June 12 election, in which incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared the landslide victor. Obama brushed aside a demand from Ahmadinejad that he apologise for "interfering" in Iranian affairs with his escalating criticism of the violence there.
In addition, Obama and Merkel responded to a question about the possibility of Germany accepting some detainees now at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as the United States moves to close the prison facility.
"We are going to be looking for the help of our friends and our allies as we execute that process with one that's going to be admittedly difficult politically," Obama said. "And we have seen a positive response from countries across Europe in the general sense of wanting to help. ... And I think that Chancellor Merkel, she has an obligation obviously to make sure that Germany's national security interests come first in these considerations. We understand that."
Speaking through a translator, Merkel said the discussions are in the early stages and that "we are not going to shirk that particular responsibility, but it needs to be brought in line, as the president says, with the legal situation we have in Germany. We are showing a constructive spirit, and we will come to a result. I'm confident of that".
Merkel's White House visit marked the third time the two leaders had met since Obama took office in January. The two clashed over the economy during a summit in London, when Germany resisted calls from the United States to increase government spending to stimulate the German economy.
Obama advisers later said the United States had never demanded a specific stimulus action from Germany or other European countries. And in the end, Merkel joined Obama and the other leaders in pledging to do "whatever is necessary" to rejuvenate the economy.
But Merkel's public comments contributed to reports in German media that her relationship with Obama is cool - a notion Obama seemed intent on dispelling.
"I like Chancellor Merkel a lot," Obama said as she looked on with a faint smile. "I've now dealt with a lot of world leaders, and I think that Chancellor Merkel is smart, practical, and I trust her when she says something."
Climate concern bill on power policy
The House passed legislation on Friday intended to address global warming and transform the way the nation produces and uses energy.
The vote was the first time either house of Congress had approved a Bill meant to curb the heat-trapping gases scientists have linked to climate change.
The legislation could lead to changes in many sectors of the economy. The Bill's passage, by 219-212, with eight Democrats voting against it, also established a marker for the United States when international negotiations on a new climate change treaty begin later this year.
- Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service
More from USA
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Allies quit ruling coalition in Nepal
Political row could trigger months of street protests and violence
-
Qatar blaze 'started at nursery'
Fire killed 19 including 13 children, at Doha’s main shopping centre
-
Jagan jailed over illegal assets
Andhra Pradesh leader accused of corruption, cheating, conspiracy
