German FM: Euro crisis will define image of Europe

[August 28, 2012]  BERLIN (AP) -- Germany's foreign minister has warned that the way Europe deals with the financial crisis will determine the way other regions of the world and its own citizens view the continent.

Guido Westerwelle told an annual gathering of German ambassadors in Berlin on Monday that the idea of a political union in Europe is now "on probation."

His remarks came after some lawmakers in Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition expressed skepticism over the weekend at Greece's ability to stay in the eurozone.

Westerwelle cautioned against resurgent nationalism almost 70 years after the end of World War II and said Europe risks being sidelined in history if it doesn't overcome its current crisis of confidence.

He also backed the idea of a European constitution that would be approved in a referendum.

[Associated Press]

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