Bush’s Europe trip a mix of support, criticism

'I'd like to end Guantanamo'
Anticipating a subject of high concern in Europe, Bush raised the detention of about 460 terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The recent suicides of three inmates have intensified international condemnation of the facility and demands for it to be closed.

“I understand their concerns,” Bush said. “I’d like to end Guantanamo. I’d like it to be over with.”

Bush said 200 detainees had been sent home, and that most of the remaining prisoners are from Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Afghanistan.

“There are some who need to be tried in U.S. courts,” Bush said. “They’re cold-blooded killers. They will murder somebody if they’re let out on the street.” He said he was waiting for the Supreme Court to decide how they should be tried.

Schuessel welcomed Bush’s statement. “We got clear, clear signals and a commitment from the American side — no torture, no extraordinary or extraterritorial positions to deal with the terrorists,” he said. “All the legal rights must be preserved.”

Again, Bush asked Europeans to look beyond their anger over the U.S. invasion of Iraq three years ago and support the country’s reconstruction.

“People have strong opinions on the subject. But what’s past is past, and what’s ahead is a hopeful democracy in the Middle East,” the president said.

Barroso said the leaders agreed on new steps to promote energy security and address climate change. There appeared little if any movement on long-stalled trade disputes. “It’s hard work,” Bush said. “I’m really convinced it is possible to have a successful outcome,” Barroso said.

The United States is among 149 nations trying to finish an international round of trade talks known as the Doha Round, named after the city in Qatar where they began.

Negotiators have missed several deadlines and there are disagreements over cutting farm subsidies in Europe, the United States and other rich nations.

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