New UK govt promises 'solid, not slavish' US ties

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

New UK govt promises 'solid, not slavish' US ties
By JILL LAWLESS
The Associated Press
Wednesday, May 12, 2010; 11:16 AM

LONDON -- Solid, but not slavish. That's how Britain's new government sees the special relationship with the United States.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats disagree deeply on their attitudes toward Europe and nuclear weapons, but they agree on one thing: they want to avoid the fate of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was labeled "Bush's poodle" after joining the unpopular war in Iraq.

It's unlikely, however, that this will mean any significant loosening of ties or concrete policy shifts such as pulling out of Afghanistan in the near future. The Middle East peace process may lead to coalition frictions, with Clegg's party sharply critical of Israel.

"David Cameron and I have always said we want a solid but not slavish relationship with the United States," said new Foreign Secretary William Hague, adding that ties with Washington were of "huge importance."



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/12/AR2010051202436.html

[Turbineguy]

1. Hey, if you want a poodle

go visit an animal shelter.