| German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, left, with President Bush at the White House |
Mr. Bush said the United Nations needs to adopt broader reforms before dealing with an expansion of the Security Council. When asked if he opposed Germany's bid for a permanent seat, he said, "we oppose no country's bid for the council."
Mr. Schroeder cited Germany's contributions in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas of the world, and said his country should have the right to representation on the council.
Later today, the chancellor is set to speak to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and meet with members of Congress.
The visit has been overshadowed by the possibility that Germany will have a new leader within a few months. Mr. Schroeder is seeking early parliamentary elections after his party lost a critical state election in May.
