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Germans look forward

Germany wants the United States to forget their dispute over the war in Iraq and build stronger bilateral relations, a senior German diplomat said yesterday.

"We would like to open a new chapter in our relations," Klaus Scharioth, Germany's deputy foreign secretary, told reporters at a breakfast meeting.

The dispute, which began when German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder bashed the Bush administration during Mr. Schroeder's election campaign, is "water under the bridge," Mr. Scharioth said.

In meetings this week with Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage and National Security Council officials, he said he had delivered a message of reconciliation.

"We should look forward to common challenges," Mr. Scharioth said, adding that he had received "positive responses" from U.S. officials.

"They were in agreement. They were useful talks," he added.

Mr. Scharioth pledged Germany's continued strong support in the war against terrorism and urged Washington to ensure that the reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq succeeds.

"The number one issue facing our countries is terrorism," he said, adding that the international coalition must prevent terrorist networks, such as Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda, from ever establishing a base in another nation.