Dennis Hertel: “The 15th Annual Congress-Bundestag Seminar took place in Virginia Beach on April 6th through 9th, 1998. The main topics…”

“The 15th Annual Congress-Bundestag Seminar took place in Virginia Beach on April 6th through 9th, 1998. The main topics of discussion included current domestic, economic and political issues, bilateral trade relations, the Euro, NATO enlargement, and policies toward the Middle East. The Members' discussion of issues arising out of the Middle East was particularly noteworthy. In discussing Turkey, its political situation, its role in NATO, and its relationship to the European Union, it was clear that Members on both sides would benefit from more attention to this important country. Likewise, the issue of how to deal with Iran in a constructive and effective manner was discussed at some length, a discussion which benefited from the observations of a Bundestag member who recently visited Iran. Related to that discussion was one of U.S. sanctions legislation directed towards Iran, the effectiveness of it, and the fairness of its implementation. What makes these discussions so useful is the friendship and underlying values that we share, which enable the Members to speak very openly and frankly about matters of common interest and concern.”