Malia Obama takes on Hollywood with new name ‘Malia Ann’
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US President Barack Obama lauded German
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday as
an “outstanding” international partner who showed a recognition that
being a good leader also meant engaging with the world.
“All I can say is that Chancellor Merkel
has been an outstanding partner, and Chancellor Merkel is perhaps the only
leader left among our closest allies that was there when I arrived,” he
said, after talks with Merkel in his farewell tour of Europe.
While acknowledging that they have not always
been on the same page every issue, he cited Merkel’s “integrity, her
truthfulness, her thoughtfulness” among traits he appreciated.
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“Her commitment to looking out for the
interests of the German people first, but recognising that part of good leadership
on behalf of the nation requires engaging the world as a whole… I think she’s
been outstanding.”
In a ringing endorsement of Merkel before
she announces if she would stand for a fourth term in next year’s elections,
Obama said: “It’s up to her whether she wants to stand again… but if I
were here and I were German and I had a vote, I might support her.”
Obama acknowledged that Merkel will have
big international burdens to shoulder if she decides to run again.
“I wish I could be there to lighten
her load. But she’s tough,” he added.
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