It's true that the war in Iraq opened a distance in relations between part of Europe and the U.S. government, but our basic ties are stronger than that. We share democracy, free markets and a commitment to Western security. We differ on how to guarantee that security.

Markets are very important but for the government the citizens are more so.

You can't bomb a people just in case.

No Spanish government has given into terror and no government will do that.

The more equality women have, the fairer, more civilized and tolerant society will be. Sexual equality is a lot more effective against terrorism than military strength.

Wars such as those which have occurred in Iraq only allow hatred, violence and terror to proliferate

The economic, social and cultural progress of a nation depends on citizens counting for more and having more rights.