Opportunistic Germany Desires Stronger Ties With Iraq

Germany wants to build closer political and economic ties with Iraq but would stand by its policy of not sending troops to the country, a local newspaper reported. "After the Iraqi elections which passed off successfully, the German government wants to intensify its backing for the process of democratization and stabilization in Iraq," junior defence minister Friedbert Pflueger told reporters. But Pflueger also said Germany would stand by its policy of not sending troops to Iraq. "There is a consensus in the grand coalition (of conservatives and socialists headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel) that no German soldier be sent to Iraq," Pflueger was quoted as saying. The previous government headed by former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, an outspoken critic of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, was strongly opposed to sending German forces to the country.