WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush said Friday he would try to repair U.S.-European relations with a European trip to promote common action on the world's ills.
"It is to remind people that the world is better off, America is better off, Europe is better off when we work together," Bush said in a news conference with visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair. "We must apply the combined strength and moral purpose of Europe and America to effectively fight terror and overcome poverty and disease and despair, to advance human dignity and to advance freedom.
"In all that lies ahead in the defense of freedom and the advance of democracy and the spread of prosperity, America, the United Kingdom and all of Europe must act together."
U.S.-European relations deteriorated rapidly over Iraq, with most European countries opposed to military action. France and Germany led the opposition, which continues to color their relations with Washington. Serious differences also exist over Washington's refusal to sign the Kyoto environmental accords, its refusal to allow U.S. troops come under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and over differences on trade issues.
Bush said he would visit Europe as soon as possible after his inauguration in January.
