Merkel Befriends 'The Man'
The spring-like temperatures in Washington matched the tenor of Angela Merkel's first U.S. Visit as German Chancellor. According to this article from Germany's Bild newspaper, 'Merkel is on her way back to Berlin with one particularly important souvenir: a new friendship with the most powerful man in the world!'
By Sebastian von Bassewitz
Translated By Carl Bergquist
January 14, 2005
Original Article (German) 
Washington: Sunshine and spring-like temperatures at the crack of dawn: yesterday, the superpower America certainly welcomed Angela Merkel with utmost affection on her first visit as Chancellor of Germany.
9:27 am local time: Germany’s top politician (wearing a black pantsuit, white top and a simple silver necklace) is walking from the President’s guest house over to the White House, currently the office of George W. Bush. Protected by Secret Service agents, she is then saluted by two soldiers in official guard regalia.
George Bush approaches with five quick steps. He clasps her right hand with both of his: "Welcome Mrs. Chancellor to United States!" Bush guides the Chancellor to the chairs by the fireplace. The obligatory "handshake" underneath a cascade of photo flashes. For the next half-hour, Merkel and the most powerful man in the world have the room to themselves - with only an interpreter present.
Later on, they are joined by their closest advisers, including Secretary of State Rice, National Security Adviser Hadley and Merkel’s foreign policy adviser Heusgen. The topics: Iran, Iraq, the Middle East situation, the War on Terror. Merkel also raises the touchy subject of the Guantanamo Bay prison camp. Bush stands firm. The camp is "necessary for the protection of the American people."
At 11:27 a.m., the Chancellor and the U.S. President appear for a joint press conference. [
WATCH] Bush proclaims, "I was touched when she told me about her childhood in East Germany. She really knows what freedom means." Then he serves up quite a compliment for the Chancellor: she is both smart and charming …
Merkel rhapsodizes about Bush: "You can converse so easily with him."
After lunch taken in the Old Family Room - First Lady Laura Bush greets the Chancellor with cheek kisses - the President in parting asks Angela Merkel to greet Gerhard Schroeder, "Give my warmest regards to Mr. Schroeder. I hope he’s doing well now."
After three hours (Bush never set this much time aside for former Chancellor Schroeder) the Chancellor is whisked away in a black bullet-proof Cadillac (two flags, six antennae) to her next appointment, a meeting with representatives of German interest groups. Ten motorcycle cops escort the 29-vehicle convoy.
Later that afternoon, Merkel is on her way back to Berlin with one particularly important souvenir: a new friendship with the most powerful man in the world!
[NEWS SLIDE SHOW: Merkel and Bush].
