Programs & Events 2008
Interview with Dan Fried, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs
July 3, 08
On July 3, Assistant Secretary Dan Fried granted an on-the-record interview to New York Times Paris Bureau Chief Steve Erlanger and IHT correspondent Katrin Bennhold. He made clear that a weak, divided, inward-looking Europe worried about future of Lisbon Treaty is not in the interest of the U.S. If he were designing an agenda for the French Presidency, it would be to consolidate the good will evident during the recent POTUS visit to France, as well as to crystallize an agenda and put it into action so that the next U.S. Administration inherits a stronger, renewed transatlantic relationship. That agenda would include consolidating Kosovo, defending Georgian sovereignty in the face of Russian pressure, dealing with Iran, moving forward on Israeli-Palestinian concerns, and dealing with Russia especially on energy issues.