SPD refuses to participate in purchase of Eurofighter Bonn. The Social Democrat's Bundestag faction does not want to take any responsibility for the acquisition of the new Eurofighter fighter planes. SPD chairman Rudolf Scharping said in a radio interview that there is no convincing political argument that these planes are necessary for national defense Mr. Scharping said that he was not impressed with the argument that the purchase of the planes will create more jobs. Kornblum calls for more courage for change in Germany Mr. Kornblum, the new American ambassador in Germany, called on Germans to be more courageous regarding change. He said that contrary to the United States there is a fear in Germany to dare to do something new.
Many American companies see Germany as being too expensive with complicated legislation.
In addition, he said that Germany's advantages, the good infrastructure and the high standard of education is currently not emphasised enough in foreign countries. Asked about differences between Bonn and Washington, Mr. Kornblum confirmed that his country wants the isolation of Iran. He said that Islamic republic is one of those states which do not accept the rules of the international community. He continued that the American government had been trying to engage in dialogue with Teheran, however with no success. Proposal that fees be charged for certain police operations The CDU in Rhineland Pfalz has proposed that certain police services should be charged for in the future.