Argyros wouldn't take snub sitting down

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Monday, January 10, 2005
Argyros wouldn't take snub sitting down

Martin Wisckol and Jim Hinch
The Orange County Register

Newport Beach's George Argyros is back from his three-year stint as U.S. ambassador to Spain. He found a bit of bumpy going since the Madrid terrorist bombing in March and the subsequent victory by the opposition party that put Socialist Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in the prime-minister post.

Argyros got considerable media attention in October when he skipped Spain's national day parade, which is attended by all of the country's top leaders and visiting dignitaries. Some news reports called it a snub by the White House in response to Zapatero's decision to withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq.

But Argyros said it was strictly his decision and was a gesture in rebuttal to Zapatero remaining seated at the 2003 parade while the U.S. color guard passed - and all other officials stood. Adding to the controversy was the lack of an invitation to the U.S. color guard this year.

"I didn't want to see him salute the French when he didn't salute the U.S. the year before," said the real estate mogul and major GOP donor. Argyros added that he believes the move ultimately helped relations by bringing attention to the growing tensions between the two countries. "I think there was a realization (in Spain) that the United States was an ally and that it's important to be on good terms with us," he said.

Argyros said his resignation as ambassador was unrelated to the strained diplomatic relationship over the past year. He said he'd long planned to leave after George W. Bush's first term, as had many U.S. ambassadors. Indeed, the top envoys to England, Belgium, Germany, Russia and Japan are among those who have planned resignations or already have stepped down.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/01/10/sections/local/local_columns/article_372407.php