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Merkel Backs Obama on Mideast

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 5, 2009 6:35 AM CDT

(Newser) – Angela Merkel got behind Barack Obama’s Middle East peace push today, calling his Cairo speech the “ideal basis” for renewed efforts. Obama called for “difficult compromises,” adding, “The United States cannot force peace upon the parties.” The two leaders met and spoke at a joint press conference in Dresden, in an event seemingly designed to thaw the reportedly frosty relations between them, the New York Times reports.

Though Obama is exceedingly popular in Germany, he has clashed with Merkel behind the scenes, disagreeing on issues like the economic crisis and Germany’s unwillingness to take on Guantanamo detainees. Asked about the rift, Obama joked that the world had enough problems without manufacturing new ones, adding, “Stop it!” The Dresden venue is fraught with symbolism; America’s fire bombing of the city at the close of World War II remains a sore spot in Germany.

President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel smile after a visit at the Church of Our Lady, Frauenkirche, in Dresden, Germany. (AP Photo/Franka Bruns)

Barack Obama and Angela Merkel smile during a news conference after bilateral talks at the historical Green Vault in Dresden, Germany, June 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel answer questions during a news conference in Dresden, Germany, Friday, June 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer)

President Barack Obama, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, answer questions during a news conference in Dresden, Germany, June 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Middle East • Angela Merkel • Germany • Guantanamo Bay • Israel and Palestinians • East Germany • Dresden

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama: We Stand Behind Arab Protesters

Back Mideast peace deal based on 1967 borders

Obama to UN: Time for Mideast Peace Is Now

Ignore the cynics, Obama urges

Obama Wants Israel to Take its Medicine

And Israel hates him for it

Germany Hails Anniversary of Berlin Wall's Fall

Dominoes, fireworks, music help mark 20 years

Mideast Peace Would Justify Obama's Nobel

There's consensus on a deal; the president is the guy to get it done

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Newser By Users

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