STATEMENT FROM ROBERT GIBBS, SENIOR STRATEGIST

Earlier this morning, Senator Obama had a warm and productive conversation with Chancellor Merkel.  They covered a wide range of foreign policy issues, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, the Middle East peace process, Russia, and NATO.  Senator Obama offered an overview of his trip and key impressions from discussions with leaders in the region, focusing, in particular, on the urgency of stopping Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.  They also discussed climate change and broader economic challenges.  He applauded the Chancellor’s leading role in promoting international efforts on climate change and affirmed his own pledge to pursue an 80% reduction in US green house gas emissions by 2050.   

Then this afternoon, Senator Obama also had a good discussion with Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.  They shared assessments of the current situations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and the broader Middle East.  Senator Obama expressed his appreciation for European efforts to end Iran’s nuclear program.  He reiterated his view that the US should sustain its involvement in these talks and combine tough diplomacy with tougher multilateral sanctions. Senator Obama also stressed his commitment to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime, negotiate reductions in nuclear arsenals, and to make climate change a top priority.  Senator Obama also expressed his concern about rising tensions between Russia and Georgia and called attention to his recent statement underscoring the importance of Georgia’s territorial integrity, calling for restraint by all parties, and the need for a negotiated solution.