he began by contradicting a thesis put forward the day before by german president func father steinmeyer lee winning that the united states rejects the international community and quote. here this morning to tell you the facts i'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly over exaggerated that may be but the morning's other main speaker was not so sure french president emmanuel mccaw said europe must become more independent of the us soon they don't but if we have no freedom to act then we have no credibility in foreign policy and we can't be a junior partner to the united states of america mccord peo also disagreed over one of the main themes of this year's conference that the west is losing global influence. when i look at the world as it's being shaped and that's the theme of your conference this year there is indeed a weakening of the west looks you don't this idea of what's in this list as the core theme for this year's conference and i'm sure to there many of you who would call yourself a realist. but let me give you an idea of what's real the west is winn