Obama gets rock-star welcome in Berlin, praises Merkel
Barack Obama received a rock-star welcome in Berlin as he appeared at a public
debate on Thursday with Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he praised as one of his
"favorite partners" during his presidency.
According to Associated Press, Security was tight in front of the German capital's iconic Brandenburg Gate,
where Obama and Merkel appeared on a podium before thousands of people attending
a gathering marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Police
helicopters patrolled the skies and snipers with balaclavas watched the scene
from nearby rooftops.
After lauding Merkel as someone who had done "outstanding work," Obama
launched a defense of his own presidency and the values of liberal democracy
championed by both leaders.
Citing the rise of nationalism and xenophobia in parts of the world, Obama
told the crowd that "we have to push back against those trends that would
violate human rights or suppress democracy or restrict individual freedoms."
In a veiled reference to his successor, Donald Trump, Obama also spoke of the
need to see development aid and diplomacy as essential aspects of national
security policy.
"We can't isolate ourselves. We can't hide behind a wall," he said, to cheers
from the audience.
Merkel, who hosted Obama at the same spot four years ago, was due to travel
to Brussels later Thursday for a meeting with leaders of fellow NATO member
states, including President Trump.
Thursday's appearance with Obama was criticized by some German opposition
politicians as a publicity stunt ahead of September's general election, in which
Merkel aims to win a fourth term.
Source: AP
No comments
Your comments and Encouragement are welcome