Kerry in Europe for international security conference.

[Mass]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/307759,eu-us-diplomats-reaffirm-essential-relationship.html

But on Friday Obama's National Security Advisor, James Jones, said that the relationship with Europe was "a very important relationship that we value highly."
Jones and Senator John Kerry, head of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, met with the EU's new foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, on the margins of the Munich Security Conference.
"I cannot think of a more important time and place than the Munich Security Conference to reaffirm the strong trans-Atlantic ties that bind us in this very dangerous world where we face so many threats in common," Jones said.
Kerry echoed that view, saying that the US needed the EU's help on issues such as Iran's nuclear programme, the conflict in Afghanistan, climate change and the financial crisis.

Read more: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/307759,eu-us-diplomats-reaffirm-essential-relationship.html#ixzz0ehNAPLVQ

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/307729,tone-sharpens-between-us-and-russia-ahead-of-security-talks.html

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded sharply on Friday to US objections over its proposed Euro-Atlantic security pact, ahead of this weekend's international security conference in Munich.
...
Clinton will not be present at the Munich talks, where US Senator John Kerry is a key speaker. Deputy US Secretary of State James Steinberg is also due to attend.

[MBS]

1. good, good.. this role suits him so well n/t

[karynnj]

2. Very interesting - I hope his speech will be covered somewhere

it would be very interesting to hear, see, or read. That could be a fascinating conference.

It is interesting that with Jones and Steinberg there, that Kerry is the key speaker.

[karynnj]

3. Interesting contact at Munich - Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister asked Kerry for help

restarting the negotiations with the Palestinians per an Israeli link (that I am completely unfamiliar with).

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3844886,00.html

[karynnj]

4. Nice video clip from Chinese (English language) TV

I guess our media is too busy covering a snow storm and the 600 people strong tea party.

Nice coverage and JK really sounds good here - http://english.cctv.com/program/newshour/20100206/102077.shtml

[wisteria]

5. I will stay tuned. There has got to be more coming from this conference and the meetings.

I wonder why Clinton couldn't be there?

[karynnj]

6. Here's a rather snary article, of Kerry nothing of what he said, but that he spoke some German

The U.S. delegation was led by Senators John Kerry, John McCain and Joe Lieberman. In a press conference, the U.S. delegation looked very solemn and serious. I thought Lieberman was going to call for a declaration of war on Iran.


U.S. to Iran: Your behavior is unacceptable. Lieberman to Iran: Don't make me bomb you.

Kerry, bless his little Bostonian heart, began his statement by speaking auf Deutsch. The other U.S. delegates just rolled their eyes. But good for you Johann, they are just jealous.

John McCain went on a rant about Don't Ask Don't Tell, when asked about it by a reporter. The Europeans in the room were all going: "Wait? How is this relevant? And who cares if gays are the military?" Clearly, McCain hadn't read the ed board's editorial from Saturday.

http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/02/munich-a-securi.html

Gee, two foreign languages within one month. Lieberman and McCain are train wrecks.
(I hope he spent time with the Europeans, leaving Lieberman and McCain to each other. )

Here's a picture of Kerry and two angry looking gnomes

[wisteria]

7. Wow, this must have been written by a 15 year old Bush supporter.

How childish. Of course, it is from a Dallas paper, so it doesn't surprise me how infantile it written. Frankly, I see nothing wrong with speaking a foreign language and a lot of right by doing it. Often leaders of country's address questions in both their language and English. It seems to me to show a respect and courtesy for those who may not understand English very well.

[karynnj]

8. Actually, I suspect that the writer is a liberal

He really hits McCain (on ranting about DADT) and Lieberman( wanting to bomb Iran). Kerry comes out by far the best. He makes fun of Lieberman's and McCain's reaction.

[wisteria]

12. Ah, I had skimmed over the article and did not see the comments you mentioned. n/t

[Luftmensch067]

9. OMG, that photo!

You captioned it perfectly! JK looks like he's amused by the little pouting (balding) schoolboys. That picture is hilarious!

[karynnj]

10. I actually feel somewhat bad for the first thought that I had

which was that it was not just JK's linguist ability they should be jealous of.

[Luftmensch067]

11. Frankly, I'm sure it isn't just that! LOL!

If there were ever two sourer grapes I haven't seen them!