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Summary Europe and Germany have no better partner than America, said Merkel.
US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel began to air differences over fiscal policy, the euro zone crisis and the war in Libya while emphasizing the strength of their alliance.Obama welcomed Merkel at a formal ceremony on the White House, with cannon shots and military musicians adding to the pomp and circumstance of an official visit the first by a European leader under Obamas presidency.As people around the world imagine a different future, the story of Germany and our alliance in the 20th century shows whats possible in the 21st century. Wars can end. Adversaries can become allies. Walls can come down. Nations can be whole and can be free, Obama said with Merkel standing at his side.Obama favoured more government stimulus spending during the global economic crisis while Merkel pressed for fiscal austerity. The United States cautiously endorsed military action in Libya; Germany confounded its NATO partners by refusing to take part.
