Schroeder says Blair does not speak for Europe on Iraq issue

CHANCELLOR Gerhard Schroeder, yesterday rebuffed calls by Britain for Europe to help the United States against Iraq, saying that Germany won’t tone down its opposition to military action and won’t “submit” to Washington.

In blunt comments, Schroeder said Tony Blair does not speak for all Europe, a day after the British prime minister declared Iraq "a real and unique threat" to world security and said the United States "should not have to face this issue alone."

The exchange highlighted international opposition to the prospect of a US attack on Iraq despite Blair's attempts to rally support for Washington.