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Berlusconi Will Not Apologize for "Nazi" Remarks
Aired July 04, 2003 - 14:13 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The new head of the European Union is setting off a few fireworks of his own this week. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says that he was being ironic and witty and has no reason to apologize for his Nazi poke at a German member of the EU Parliament.
Rome bureau chief Alessio Vinci has more now on a few misplaced words triggered -- well, it did trigger international outrage. Alessio, what is the deal with this man?
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN ROME BUREAU CHIEF: Kyra, it is an issue that is simply a controversy that simply will not go away. Mr. Berlusconi made those remarks two days ago, Wednesday, in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament usually meets. Today, Friday, here in Italy and much of Europe, there is still a question remains out there. Did Mr. Berlusconi apologize or not?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VINCI (voice-over): Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says he is not sorry for comparing a German member of the European Parliament to a Nazi, but he regrets his comments were interpreted badly.
SILVIO BERLUSCONI, ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER (through translator): It was only supposed to be an ironic comment.
VINCI: "I did not make an apology," he said. "I spoke of my sadness over a comment that was interpreted badly, but it was only intended", he said, "as an ironic comment."
Mr. Berlusconi says he was treated with disrespect by some members of the European Parliament and, therefore, he says, his comments were appropriate. "I am sorry if this offended the sensitivity of someone," he said, "but sensitivity cannot be a one-way street."
After a telephone conversation between Mr. Berlusconi and the German chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, who had demanded an apology, the controversy was declared over by Berlin.
But what remains an open question is the political fallout of Mr. Berlusconi's comments, which most observers agree will make his job of presiding over the European Union until December much more difficult.
JAMES WALSTON, POLITICAL ANALYST: The coalition allies are very worried now, even more worried than they were before and worried about his suitability. Everybody else is afraid that he's going to drop some other brick. He went to Jerusalem last month. He would like to get involved in the Middle East negotiations. Can you imagine what it would be like if he drops that sort of brick in the Middle East, which is not unlikely because he does say what he thinks.
VINCI: The controversy completely overshadows Italy's European agenda, described by Mr. Berlusconi as ambitious and challenging. Among top priorities, the adoption of a European constitution, stemming illegal immigration, E. U. enlargement, and relations with Europe's largest partner, the United States.
Many commentators question Mr. Berlusconi's ability to balance his remarkable pro-American stance with the deep divisions that still exist in Europe today on transatlantic relations. Others, however, say Mr. Berlusconi will have few problems.
FRANCO VENTURINI, JOURNALIST, "Corriere della Sera": France and Germany have moved a lot after the end of the war in Iraq, and at the moment, Iraq and further among those who want more -- most -- a good relationship with President Bush. So, I don't think Berlusconi will find any opposition in saying or in acting as a good friend of America.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VINCI: And, Kyra, the shaky start of Italy's presidency of the European Union may have somewhat lowered the expectations about whether the country can -- and it leader can -- deliver in the next six months. It is eroding the presidency here. But, you know, when you lower the expectations, usually what follows is only positive. Kyra?
PHILLIPS: Now, Alessio, a lot of people would say, hey, this doesn't surprise us. The Italian prime minister has said a number of offensive things in the past.
VINCI: Well, one of them, for example, was, I believe, last year or early a this year when he compared western civilization to the Muslims, saying that the Christians and the western civilization was superior, especially as far as religious and political rights. That created, of course, an uproar here in Italy as well as in many Middle Eastern countries.
You may remember a recent interview with "The New York Times", when Mr. Berlusconi basically said that he said he was sacrificing himself for the good of Italy instead of enjoying his many country -- many homes around the world, his boats, and stuff like that.
So, he is certainly a person that likes to speak up clearly and speak his mind. Sometimes he says things that eventually get him in trouble.
PHILLIPS: Rome bureau chief, Alessio Vinci, on the trail of the words there. We will stay in touch with you. Thank you.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired July 4, 2003 - 14:13 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The new head of the European Union is setting off a few fireworks of his own this week. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says that he was being ironic and witty and has no reason to apologize for his Nazi poke at a German member of the EU Parliament.
Rome bureau chief Alessio Vinci has more now on a few misplaced words triggered -- well, it did trigger international outrage. Alessio, what is the deal with this man?
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN ROME BUREAU CHIEF: Kyra, it is an issue that is simply a controversy that simply will not go away. Mr. Berlusconi made those remarks two days ago, Wednesday, in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament usually meets. Today, Friday, here in Italy and much of Europe, there is still a question remains out there. Did Mr. Berlusconi apologize or not?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VINCI (voice-over): Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says he is not sorry for comparing a German member of the European Parliament to a Nazi, but he regrets his comments were interpreted badly.
SILVIO BERLUSCONI, ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER (through translator): It was only supposed to be an ironic comment.
VINCI: "I did not make an apology," he said. "I spoke of my sadness over a comment that was interpreted badly, but it was only intended", he said, "as an ironic comment."
Mr. Berlusconi says he was treated with disrespect by some members of the European Parliament and, therefore, he says, his comments were appropriate. "I am sorry if this offended the sensitivity of someone," he said, "but sensitivity cannot be a one-way street."
After a telephone conversation between Mr. Berlusconi and the German chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, who had demanded an apology, the controversy was declared over by Berlin.
But what remains an open question is the political fallout of Mr. Berlusconi's comments, which most observers agree will make his job of presiding over the European Union until December much more difficult.
JAMES WALSTON, POLITICAL ANALYST: The coalition allies are very worried now, even more worried than they were before and worried about his suitability. Everybody else is afraid that he's going to drop some other brick. He went to Jerusalem last month. He would like to get involved in the Middle East negotiations. Can you imagine what it would be like if he drops that sort of brick in the Middle East, which is not unlikely because he does say what he thinks.
VINCI: The controversy completely overshadows Italy's European agenda, described by Mr. Berlusconi as ambitious and challenging. Among top priorities, the adoption of a European constitution, stemming illegal immigration, E. U. enlargement, and relations with Europe's largest partner, the United States.
Many commentators question Mr. Berlusconi's ability to balance his remarkable pro-American stance with the deep divisions that still exist in Europe today on transatlantic relations. Others, however, say Mr. Berlusconi will have few problems.
FRANCO VENTURINI, JOURNALIST, "Corriere della Sera": France and Germany have moved a lot after the end of the war in Iraq, and at the moment, Iraq and further among those who want more -- most -- a good relationship with President Bush. So, I don't think Berlusconi will find any opposition in saying or in acting as a good friend of America.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VINCI: And, Kyra, the shaky start of Italy's presidency of the European Union may have somewhat lowered the expectations about whether the country can -- and it leader can -- deliver in the next six months. It is eroding the presidency here. But, you know, when you lower the expectations, usually what follows is only positive. Kyra?
PHILLIPS: Now, Alessio, a lot of people would say, hey, this doesn't surprise us. The Italian prime minister has said a number of offensive things in the past.
VINCI: Well, one of them, for example, was, I believe, last year or early a this year when he compared western civilization to the Muslims, saying that the Christians and the western civilization was superior, especially as far as religious and political rights. That created, of course, an uproar here in Italy as well as in many Middle Eastern countries.
You may remember a recent interview with "The New York Times", when Mr. Berlusconi basically said that he said he was sacrificing himself for the good of Italy instead of enjoying his many country -- many homes around the world, his boats, and stuff like that.
So, he is certainly a person that likes to speak up clearly and speak his mind. Sometimes he says things that eventually get him in trouble.
PHILLIPS: Rome bureau chief, Alessio Vinci, on the trail of the words there. We will stay in touch with you. Thank you.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
