Danish PM hits 'close friend' Bush on Iraq scandals, energy

RAW STORYPublished: Friday June 9, 2006

In an appearance at Camp David with President Bush, Danish Prime Minister Anders Rasmussen was unusually candid on the topics of Iran, Iraq and energy policy, RAW STORY has learned.
After expressing his gratitude for the invitation and characterizing himself and Bush as "close friends," Rasmussen pointed out (as Bush had earlier,) that he, unlike Bush, had met the new Iraqi Prime Minister.

"It was with a particular sense of respect," he told reporters, "I heard the views of the first permanent, democratically elected government in Iraq. I would say that our efforts have not been in vain."

Immediately afterward, however, Rasmussen seemed to strike out at the US government for human rights abuses in Iraq.

"We agree on the very reason for being engaged in Iraq, to put an end to oppression and to promote freedom, democracy and human rights," The Prime Minister continued. "These are the very values we want to defend.

"That also gives us strong obligation to live up to those values in every step we take. When unacceptable events happen in Abu Ghraib and when allegations are made about horrific events in Haditha, it is not only a tragedy for the victims, it is damaging to our own efforts and an offense to our very own values."

Rasmussen assured the audience that Bush had told him, privately, that "allegations will be investigated."

The Prime Minister stated that Denmark fully intends to remain in Iraq with the US until the occupation ends.

He then went on to thank Bush for joining European allies in their recent nuclear offer to Iran.
The Prime Minister closed his remarks by highlighting how international cooperation could help the US ease a transition to renewable energy, seemingly refuting the long-argued Bush administration position that energy change will hurt the economy.

"In Denmark," he said, "this issue has been a high priority for 30 years. We have focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency, and we are among the leading countries when it comes to developing technologies in that field. It is part of the reason for our strong economy and competitiveness.

"And in Denmark, we have managed to combine economic growth with energy efficiency. Over the last 25 years, the Danish economy has grown by 50 percent without increasing the use of energy."

Before sharing lunch, the two men announced they intended to go on a bicycle ride.

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