President Bush is pressing Germany and Europe to stand with the United States in the war on terrorism. There are concerns in Europe about a widening anti-terror campaign that could target Iraq. Mr. Bush told the German parliament that the threat posed by Baghdad cannot be ignored.
The president says America cannot and will not stand alone in combating terrorism. He says Europe is just as vulnerable as the United States to a terrorist attack. "Those who despise human freedom will attack it on every continent," he said. "Those who seek missiles and terrible weapons are also familiar with the map of Europe. "
In his speech to the German Bundestag, the president referred to the lessons of history. He said Germany and Europe must stay involved in the anti-terror campaign. "Like the threats of another era, this threat cannot be appeased, or cannot be ignored," he said. "By being patient, relentless and resolute, we will defeat the enemies of freedom."
Mr. Bush told German lawmakers that the threat is not just from terrorists, but from nations like Iraq that seek weapons of mass destruction that could end up in terrorist hands.
Earlier, at a news conference with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, the president said there is no war plan on his desk. But he said the danger posed by Iraq warrants a strong response. "We've got to deal with it," said George W. Bush. "We can play like it's not there. We can hope it goes away. But that's not going to work. That's not going to make us safer."
The president came to Europe knowing there is great skepticism across the continent about expanding the war on terrorism, particularly the possibility of military action against Iraq.
Protesters took to the streets during his visit. A few people in the Bundestag briefly heckled his speech, and some Germans have condemned his description of an "axis of evil." Mr. Bush said they can argue with his words, but not with the nature of the problem. "Call this a strategic challenge," he said. "Call it, as I do, axis of evil. Call it by any name you choose, but let us speak the truth."
It was the president's last public appearance in Berlin, bringing an end to a visit that lasted under 24 hours. His next stop is Russia, where he will sign a treaty to slash nuclear weapons arsenals by two-thirds over the next decade.
Mr. Bush hailed the new treaty during his stay in Berlin, and praised the growing friendship between Russia and the United States. But he acknowledged there are areas of friction. The president said he will warn Russia not to transfer weapons technology to Iran. He said the Russians must realize that if they arm Iran, one day, those weapons could be used against them.