The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Paris - Foreign reaction to the re-election of U.S. President George W. Bush reflected international reaction to the war in Iraq, with his allies saying the victory means a continued tough stand on terror. "The American people have not allowed themselves to be scared and made the decision they considered reasonable," said Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a news conference with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Berlusconi, who also sent troops to Iraq, said a Bush victory allows the United States to continue its role as the "defender and promoter of freedom and democracy." The conservative government of Australia, one of the first countries to support the U.S. in Iraq, said it looked forward to continuing relations with Bush. The leaders of European countries such as France and Germany, who clashed with Bush over the war, said it is important to shift the focus to the future and improve U.S.-European relations. "We have lots to do on current crises," French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier told RTL radio. "This is a new step that starts at a very important moment for the world." German Interior Minister Otto Schily called the United States "an important partner." Others were less diplomatic, including Indonesian Muslim leader Syafii Maarif, who said Bush had "made a mess of the world over the last four years."
