Partnership with Afghanistan

During a visit to Berlin by Afghan President Hamid Karzai on 16 May, Germany and Afghanistan concluded an agreement on future cooperation between the two countries. President Karzai and Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel signed the document. Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called it “an important contribution on the part of Germany to Afghanistan’s long-term stabilization, beyond the end of 2014 and the withdrawal of German and international combat troops”.

The agreement is intended to govern bilateral relations between Germany and Afghanistan in the long term. It covers all the important areas of the two countries’ cooperation, from the development of their political relations and future cooperation on security in Afghanistan, to continued development cooperation and civilian reconstruction as well as the economic and cultural spheres. It also reiterates the Afghan Government’s commitment to upholding good governance and human rights, particularly the rights of women and children.

The partnership agreement is to be implemented and fleshed out by a German-Afghan intergovernmental working group led by the Federal Foreign Office and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Germany stands by its commitments”

The partnership agreement sends a clear message that Germany is not going to leave Afghanistan abandoned after 2014. As Foreign Minister underscored, “Germany stands by its commitments.” President Karzai recently announced that Afghanistan would take over responsibility for the security of three quarters of the Afghan population before the end of this year. Germany’s Foreign Minister saw this as a sign that the internationally agreed hand-over strategy was advancing well. As international combat troops withdrew, he said, support for a peaceful Afghanistan was becoming “more civilian with every step”.

• Agreement between Germany and Afghanistan concerning Bilateral Cooperation, 16. 5. 2012 PDF | 26 KB

Last updated 16.05.2012

Federal Foreign Office receives documents from Fritz Kolbe’s estate

The Political Archive has received many historical documents from the estate of Fritz Kolbe, who actively resisted the Nazi regime while a member of the foreign service by giving important information to the western Allies. The documents give insights into the motives behind his resistance activities.

“Fritz Kolbe saw the evil around him and he took action,” said Karin Kolbe, Fritz Kolbe’s granddaughter. She travelled to Berlin from her home in Australia to present the documents from the estate of her grandfather to the Political Archive on 15 May. Hans Carl von Werthern, the Director-General for Management of the Federal Foreign Office, thanked the Kolbe family for their generous donation of the documents. “We are very proud to have had Fritz Kolbe at the Foreign Office,” he said.

Historical documents provide insights

The documents that have now been received cover the period from 1920 to 1960 and fill two archive boxes. There are identification papers, letters and notebooks – some of them densely written in the old German Sütterlin script or even shorthand. The Political Archive has entered all the documents into a finding aid – a kind of index. Among the documents can be found, for example, Kolbe’s ministerial passport, with which he undertook his many trips to Switzerland to meet his contact person to the American intelligence service.

French journalist Lucas Delattre established the contact between the Federal Foreign Office and Fritz Kolbe’s descendents, who live in Australia. It was through Delattre’s 2004 biography of Kolbe that his activities became known to a wider public.

The private archive of written material and audio recordings can be consulted at the Political Archive by appointment.

Last updated 15.05.2012

Improving infrastructure in northern Afghanistan

In early May, the civilian head of the German Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kunduz, Thomas Kurz, officially opened two newly erected buildings of key importance to Takhar province in Taloqan and handed them over to our Afghan partners: the engineering faculty of Takhar University and the province’s new court building.

The new faculty building will make it possible to considerably improve the study and training conditions for engineers. It will also significantly increase the number of university places available. The new court building will provide the premises urgently needed for civil and criminal proceedings. This will greatly enhance the efficiency of the judicial authorities in Takhar.

The buildings were opened in the presence of Governor Taqwa, the university dean, the supreme judge and most of the provincial government. Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) provided security. It was again evident that the ANSF in Takhar is able to ensure law and order even after the withdrawal of the ISAF forces and without their support.

The construction measures, funded via the Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), are part of the infrastructure programme in northern Afghanistan. The agricultural faculty at Takhar University has already been built within the framework of this programme. The province’s assembly hall will be completed in the near future. Furthermore, the construction of a new university library and a sports field are planned.

The aim of these infrastructure projects is to help ensure stability in the province by strengthening the provincial administration and fostering civic life. At the same time, Germany is sending a clear message by implementing these measures: the start of the transition process in Takhar does not mean that we intend to lessen our commitment.

Last updated 15.05.2012

Launch of new TV series: Detective Amanullah

Chasing criminals on prime time TV: On 14 May, the TV series “Detective Amanullah”, financed by the Federal Foreign Office, went on the air in Afghanistan. The twenty episodes of this series, lasting 30 minutes each, will be broadcast one evening each week by the Ariana Television Network.

The plot resembles that of a typical German TV crime story. In each episode, Detective Amanullah solves one case, usually involving “normal” crimes such as corruption or domestic violence. As the Afghan police force is becoming more professional, it is gradually shifting its focus from fighting terrorism – currently still its main field of activity – towards such “typical” police tasks.

Illustrating modern police work

The series also serves to familiarize its audience with an increasingly civilian police force. It will also help the Afghan people to better understand the services offered by their police force and to make use of them.

The production firm Saba Film is receiving expert advice and support from the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL). Producer Saba Sahar herself served as police officer for many years and still holds the rank of a major. Project implementation is supported by the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Building up the Afghan police force

The project costs of approximately 200,000 euros are being funded from the Federal Foreign Office’s budget for the police build up in Afghanistan. 77 million euros have been earmarked for that purpose in 2012.

Germany has been engaged in building up the Afghan police force since 2002. The German police advisory team is currently focusing on the following:

• infrastructure projects (training and police facilities),
• training and mentoring,
• equipment assistance and adult basic education (including literacy measures) for the police,
• financial support towards Afghan police salaries.

Last updated 15.05.2012

Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

On 14 May, the EU Foreign Ministers once again tightened the sanctions they had imposed on Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. Their meeting in Brussels also focused on the Middle East peace process and the situation in Ukraine. State Secretary Emily Haber attended the meeting on behalf of Foreign Minister Westerwelle.

Syria

The EU Foreign Ministers have now imposed their 15th round of sanctions on the Syrian Government, as tensions in the country remain high. Three more people have been included in the ban on entering the EU and had their assets held in the EU frozen. The EU also added two more companies to its sanctions list, which means that their EU assets are now frozen and they are no longer permitted to do business within the EU.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton insisted that the sanctions were aimed at the Syrian regime and not the civilian population. “As long as repression continues, we will keep up the pressure on those responsible,” she said. State Secretary Haber also declared that the diplomatic and political pressure on Syria would be increased, as the Syrian regime was ignoring obligations which it had to fulfil. She reported that everyone in the Council had agreed on the necessity of a political solution.

In the Council conclusions, the EU Foreign Ministers again call on the Syrian authorities to fully and immediately comply with Joint UN-League of Arab States Special Envoy Kofi Annan’s peace plan. The conclusions also explicitly state that the main responsibility for the ceasefire and the successful implementation of the plan lies with the Syrian authorities.

Council conclusions on Syria, 14 May 2012 (PDF, 94 KB)

Middle East peace process

Another important topic discussed by the EU Foreign Ministers was the Middle East peace process. Their conclusions on the subject underline the urgent need for progress on the peace process and reaffirm the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution. At the same time, they express great concern at developments which are jeopardizing that solution – such as Israel’s accelerated construction of settlements in the Palestinian territories since 2010 and its continuing policy of forced eviction.

However, the conclusions also express the hope that recent developments may bring new impetus to the peace process. For example, the Foreign Ministers welcome a recent Palestinian-Israeli exchange of letters as well as the statement by Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu indicating that his new Government would try to advance the peace process.

Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process, 14 May 2012 (PDF, 99 KB)

Debate on Ukraine

Developments in Ukraine were also high on the agenda at the Foreign Affairs Council. As State Secretary Haber put it, the debate centred on the “shadows” which had fallen over “democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine” over the last few months. All the EU countries, Haber said, saw Ukraine as a “pivotal country” which they wanted to see develop in a direction that would bring it closer to the EU.

That said, she went on, there would have to be a “change of policy” in the country before the EU could conclude an association agreement with it. Haber described that change of policy as including greater respect for the rule of law and humanitarian principles in dealings with the opposition, the conduct of free and fair elections, and advancement of the reform agenda.

The EU Foreign Ministers also adopted Council conclusions on Afghanistan and Somalia.

• Council conclusions on Somalia, 14 May 2012 PDF | 43 KB
• Council conclusions on Afghanistan, 14 May 2012 PDF | 101 KB

Last updated 14.05.2012

Westerwelle visits Turkey

On 14 May, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met his Turkish opposite number, Ahmed Davutoğlu, in Ankara. The programme for his visit to Turkey also included taking part in the Kronberg Talks in Istanbul, where discussions focused on the changes sweeping North Africa and parts of the Arab world.

Westerwelle’s talks with Davutoğlu centred around current international affairs – particularly the situation in Syria and the Iranian nuclear programme. Both Foreign Ministers expressed concern at the continuing violence in Syria.

“We are convinced that Kofi Annan’s plan for a political solution needs to be given a real chance,” Westerwelle said, underlining the need for all sides to end the violence. Foreign Minister Westerwelle also articulated his recognition and gratitude in response to the way Turkey had been helping Syrian refugees. Turkey, he said, played a “key role” in the resolution of many conflicts in international relations. He went on to explain that the country had turned itself into a “breathtaking economic and political success story”, as demonstrated by its growing strategic significance.

Fresh impetus in EU-Turkish relations

Talks with Davutoğlu also turned to Turkey’s relations with the European Union and Germany. “Turkey is a powerhouse with which we want to collaborate not only economically but also politically and strategically, and particularly on the world stage,” Westerwelle insisted. Now was the time, he said, to take the opportunity to inject fresh impetus into relations between the European Union and Turkey. He pledged Germany’s support for this cause.

After his appointments in Ankara, Westerwelle travelled on to Istanbul for the 14th Kronberg Talks on 15 May. There too, he spoke in favour of reinvigorating EU-Turkish relations. In Westerwelle’s words, “Europe must offer Turkey a fair deal in the accession negotiations.” Progress, he said, had to be made contingent on what Turkey achieved, not on domestic considerations elsewhere. He said he was optimistic that the impasse could be overcome if Turkey continued on the path of reform.

Intensifying bilateral relations

Westerwelle also advocated further intensifying bilateral cooperation between Germany and Turkey. Possibilities he named included launching a strategic dialogue chaired by the Foreign Ministers and establishing more exchange programmes for young Germans and Turks.

A “historic opportunity” in the Arab world

In the speech he gave at the Kronberg Talks, Foreign Minister Westerwelle examined the “historic opportunity” inherent in the changes sweeping North Africa and the Arab world. Both the European Union and Turkey, he said, had the potential to play key roles in fostering democratic and economic transition in the region. He attached particular importance in this area to improving economic stability and ensuring that the local inhabitants have a real stake in the economic and social lives of their countries.

Speech by Foreign Minister Westerwelle at the Kronberg Talks, 15 May 2012

After his visit to Turkey, Foreign Minister Westerwelle will travel on to Vienna, where he will take part in a meeting of the Future of Europe Group with several other EU Foreign Ministers. They will engage in an informal exchange of views on the future of the EU and the challenges that lie ahead for Europe. The Vienna meeting will be the third time that the EU Foreign Ministers have convened in this format, following two earlier meetings in Berlin and Brussels.

Last updated 15.05.2012

A growth pact for Europe

In the policy statement he issued on 11 May, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle emphasized the Government’s equally strong focus on both budgetary discipline and growth policy as means of overcoming the sovereign debt crisis in Europe. “Our efforts are both pragmatic and far-sighted; we are fighting for Europe with our hearts and with our heads,” he said.

Regaining confidence

The Foreign Minister underlined the need for the people of Europe now to demonstrate that the eurozone would in future offer lasting financial stability. Only then, he said, would people once more have confidence in individual euro countries proving able to pay off their in some cases enormous debts. Pointing to the strengthened Stability and Growth Pact and the fiscal compact for less debt, Westerwelle expressed confidence that the right steps had been taken.

Budgetary discipline and growth

Westerwelle declared that equal weight had to go to budgetary discipline and growth brought about by greater competitiveness. He placed the onus first and foremost on the member states themselves to undertake structural reform and thereby bring about the competitiveness which would lead to growth. However, he added, Europe also had to pull its weight: “At the European level too, we intend to place even more emphasis on growth.”

The six-point growth pact

Westerwelle spoke in favour of a European growth pact, which would encompass six points as follows:

Firstly, Westerwelle said the European Union would have to use its funding “better than before”, without spending more. With the EU budget for the 2014-2020 period planned at more than a trillion euros, the structural funds contained in that sum would have to be directed towards encouraging growth and competition in Europe, he insisted. This, Westerwelle said, was about shaping the future, which was what politicians owed the taxpayers of Europe. The Government, he said, had therefore put forward an action plan for better spending in the budget negotiations in Brussels.

Secondly, he said, the European Commission had to take the remaining money from the European Funds – around 80 billion euros – and use the money now already to boost competitiveness in the member states.

The third point Westerwelle gave was that the credit crunch currently affecting small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe had to be overcome. SMEs, he said, needed better access to loans, and the European Investment Bank had the expertise to be useful in this regard.

Westerwelle’s fourth point involved developing Europe’s cross-border infrastructure, including the road, rail, energy and telecommunications networks. Doing so would mean exploring the option of funding through public-private partnerships, Westerwelle said.

Fifthly, Westerwelle said that the internal market had to be extended to include the digitized economy, online trade and the energy sector.

The Foreign Minister’s sixth point referred to strengthening free trade. Until progress towards a global free trade system could be made in the Doha Round, it was up to the EU, Westerwelle said, to conclude free trade agreements with the new and the long-established centres of power on the world stage.

• “Europe’s path out of the crisis: growth through competitiveness” – Policy Statement by Foreign Minister Westerwelle in the German Bundestag
• Focusing on what holds the EU together

Last updated 11.05.2012

Bundeswehr mission in Kosovo is to continue

The German Government intends to extend the Bundeswehr’s participation in the international security presence for Kosovo (KFOR) by another year. As has been the case to date, up to 1850 German soldiers will be able to serve in the former Serbian province. The Bundestag first discussed the relevant bill on 10 May. The mission militarily safeguards the peace agreement in Kosovo.

During the 10 May Bundestag debate, Michael Link, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, said that the potential for escalation in Kosovo remained high. Link added that the international community bore a responsibility for ensuring the region’s stability.

The bill which the Federal Government submitted to the Bundestag on 2 May describes the situation in the Republic of Kosovo as fundamentally calm and stable, but with ongoing potential for escalation in the Kosovo-Serb-dominated north of the country. The situation escalated, for example, in autumn 2011 when Kosovo-Serb demonstrators blockaded roads. Additionally, a German-Austrian reserve battalion has gone on active duty for the parliamentary and presidential elections in Serbia on 6 and 20 May.

The German Government believes that only political engagement can achieve true improvement in living conditions in the region, and regards the initial results of the bilateral dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, which Germany supported and the EU brokered, as positive. Germany wants to push for further progress.

• EULEX Kosovo
• OSCE: Agreement with Serbia and Kosovo

Last updated 10.05.2012

Combating piracy yet more effectively

Germany will thus remain part of the EU-led Operation Atalanta to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia. German troops are now also authorized to take action against the pirates’ logistical bases on the shore. This was decided by the Bundestag on 10 May.

Foreign Minister Westerwelle said in his statement in the Bundestag: “Pirates are still a threat to freedom of navigation and impede the delivery of humanitarian aid to Somalia, which is vital to the survival of millions of starving people. Criminals are still earning millions by capturing ships and taking hostages.” He noted that the German Government therefore did not only consider it an international right, but also a “humanitarian duty to fight piracy robustly and courageously and to protect our own German seafarers”.

The Federal Cabinet had decided to amend the terms of the Atalanta mandate at a meeting on 18 April 2012. But it was the German Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, that had the final say. The operation, which was launched in 2008, aims to secure shipping carrying humanitarian aid, to provide effective protection against pirates and to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia. International efforts so far have produced results: the pirates’ success rates fell markedly in 2011.

Tackling piracy on the coast too

Now that the Bundestag has approved the extension of the mandate, the German forces will be able to tackle the pirates’ logistics on the immediate shore, within a zone two kilometres from the coast. The goal is to combat piracy even more effectively. The extension will allow the armed forces to destroy clearly identified pirate logistics (e.g. weapons, boats) not only on the sea, but also on the beach. Westerwelle stressed: “Making it as difficult as possible for the pirates to resort to the use of arms and violence is the right thing to do.”

There is no intention of deploying ground troops, other than to help Atalanta forces in trouble. “Rescue missions will be allowed as a matter of course,” Minister Westerwelle assured the Bundestag, referring to them as an “axiom of self-defence”. The maximum number of German soldiers who may be deployed on the mission was left unchanged at 1400.

Joint action with European partners

Before the vote, Foreign Minister Westerwelle had stressed that fighting piracy was a common European concern and that it was therefore natural to act together with our European partners. It was, the Minister said, particularly important for Germany, as a major trading nation, to protect merchant shipping and seamen. The EU Foreign Affairs Council decided to extend Operation Atalanta on 23 March 2012.

Blocking the pirates’ finances

In the Bundestag, Westerwelle underscored that Atalanta was “part of our comprehensive policy on Somalia”, and noted that Germany was providing humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the people, as well as promoting the constitutional process and the establishment of rule-of-law structures in the country, and supporting the creation of a secure environment, for example by training policemen and the Somali armed forces.

Further measures that he mentioned included Germany’s provision of financial support for the African Union Mission in Somalia and its involvement in developing a system of regional coast guards. He reported that efforts were increasingly being focused on the pirates’ money and stopping cash flows. “When combating piracy, we have to stop the pirates’ from using force, but we also have to tackle the causes and ensure that their revenue from ransoms dries up,” Westerwelle said.

• Council conclusion on the EU counter-piracy operation Atalanta, 23 March2012 PDF | 88 KB

Last updated 10.05.2012

Slovakia is a partner for stability in the eurozone

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met with his counterpart from Slovakia, Miroslav Lajčák, on his inaugural visit to Berlin on 10 May. The talks focused on dealing with the current crisis in the eurozone. They also discussed the current situation in Europe’s neighbourhood, above all in Ukraine. The talks dealt with the difficult state of affairs in other countries such as Syria, too.

Westerwelle told Lajčák how much the close cooperation between Germany and Slovakia was appreciated. Westerwelle said that the fact that the new Foreign Minister of Slovakia had come to Germany on his second bilateral visit was “a sign of recognition of the partnership, the friendship, and of course also the political, economic, and cultural cooperation between our countries”. Slovakia’s Foreign Minister emphasized that both countries maintained an “excellent political dialogue in a number of areas”. Germany, he continued, was a strategic partner for Slovakia and its biggest trading partner, adding that he looked forward to continuing to work together.

Budgetary discipline and growth for Europe

The German Foreign Minister underlined both countries’ shared approach to dealing with the current crisis in Europe: “Slovakia is a true partner for us for stability in the eurozone.” Lajčák said that Slovakia “expressly supports the fiscal compact and the European Stability Mechanism”. Both men agreed that budget consolidation was an important element of the crisis strategy, but not sufficient on its own. “Europe needs budgetary discipline and growth. Those elements do not contradict each other; they are two sides of the same coin,” said Westerwelle. In addition to the fiscal compact for less debt, there must also be a growth compact for more competitiveness, he went on. National structural reforms, he said, were to be supported by using European funds to promote growth. Lajčák said that the causes of the crisis could not be fought without jobs and growth.

Slovakia’s biggest neighbour: Ukraine

Other topics were also discussed, such as the situation in Europe’s neighbourhood and also in other regions of the world. Both ministers were concerned about the situation in Ukraine. Ukraine is Slovakia’s biggest neighbour. Westerwelle and Lajčák called on Ukraine to finally commit itself to democracy and the rule of law. Westerwelle said that these were immutable European values and that Germany wanted to see Yulia Tymoshenko receive appropriate medical care for as long as necessary. He renewed the offer of such treatment being made possible in Germany.

Close contacts between Germany and Slovakia

Germany and Slovakia enjoy close bilateral relations. Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle visited Slovakia twice in 2011 alone, most recently in September. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and then Federal President Christian Wulff also visited Bratislava in 2011.

This is Lajčák’s second term as Foreign Minister, the first coming in 2009-2010. He was also the High Representative for and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2007 to 2009.

More information on relations between Germany and Slovakia can be found here.

Last updated 10.05.2012

Focusing on what holds the EU together

During the WDR Europe Forum in Brussels on 9 May, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle highlighted Europe’s value and its great importance. “These days, when Europe is facing so many challenges, we should increasingly focus on what holds Europe together or what should hold Europe together,” the Foreign Minister urged.

During the crisis it must become clear that Europe is not the problem but the solution, Westerwelle said. No nation state would be able to resolve the current crisis on its own. He went on to say that the discussion must not focus merely on crisis management, fiscal policy and other political issues and instruments, thereby ignoring what Europe is really about, namely growing closer together and developing a vision for Europe’s future. Otherwise it would not be possible to win young hearts and minds for Europe, he said.

Europe as a political project and cultural community

Westerwelle stressed: “Europe is more than a common currency and a single market. Europe is a political project and a cultural community.” He said that we had to learn from the crisis and enable the EU to develop further in as far as this is possible without amending the Treaties. This included making more majority decisions possible under the Treaty of Lisbon, using structural resources more for growth creation and organizing more transparency.

Europe in the world

As regards Europe’s role in the world, Westerwelle declared that it was important to concentrate less on competition between the Europeans. “We Europeans stand together in competition with many other power centres in the world.” According to him, it was important to live up to this challenge today. “When we stand together we are strong and have a strong position in the world,” Westerwelle said. Europe was our insurance for prosperity and cultural identity in the age of globalization.

Debt reduction and growth in Europe

In order to overcome the crisis, the German Government had put its policy on two pillars, he pointed out. The first one was debt reduction, which applied to Germany as well as to the whole of Europe. The second one was growth. The crisis, he said, could only be defused through greater austerity, which meant less debt, on the one hand and a new competitiveness leading to more growth on the other.

Westerwelle underlined the following: “The fiscal compact for less debt is irrevocable.” But it should be accompanied by a growth pact for more competitiveness. Westerwelle announced that he would address this issue in a policy statement in the German Bundestag on 11 May.

The situation in Greece

Westerwelle was concerned about the latest developments in Greece. “Greece’s fate in the euro zone is now in its own hands,” he said. The country itself must now decide which way to go. He reiterated: “We want to help Greece, we want Greece to stay in the euro zone.” Greece was part of Europe. But the country had to know what it was putting at risk by unilaterally calling into question arrangements already signed. “Solidarity is no one-way street,” the Minister declared.

Last updated 09.05.2012

German-South African Commission

On 8 May the seventh session of the German-South African Binational Commission convened in Berlin under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Deputy President Motlanthe. “South Africa is Germany’s most important partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Westerwelle noted. Germany saw South Africa’s new political and economic clout as a tremendous opportunity, he added, to further expand and deepen the good cooperation the two countries enjoyed. 

South Africa and Germany were partners with a shared vision, Deputy President Motlanthe pointed out. Both countries sought to advance peace and security in the world as well as good governance, the rule of law, democracy and human rights, and were working to promote economic development and combat climate change.

Common global challenges

Foreign Minister Westerwelle announced plans for further expanding cooperation between South Africa and Germany on climate protection, renewable energies as well as education and training, all sectors of vital importance for the future. Furthermore, in 2012 a new committee on foreign and security policy convened for the first time. “This new committee testifies to our common desire to help tackle global challenges,” Westerwelle explained.

On the issue of UN Security Council reform, for example, South Africa and Germany were “already pulling together”, he noted. Since January 2011 both countries have been non-permanent members of the Security Council. “We see South Africa as a strong and reliable partner in shaping globalization,” Westerwelle pointed out. South Africa is the only African member of the G20 and plays a major role in South-South cooperation.

Partnership founded on values

Relations between Germany and South Africa are founded above all on shared values.  It is only on this “firm foundation”, according to Westerwelle, that intensive and wide-ranging ties between the two countries can flourish. They may be separated by thousands of kilometres, he continued, yet they are linked by shared experience: “The yearning for freedom, the rule of law and human dignity is stronger than barbed wire.”

• Joint Communiqué of the seventh session of the German-South African Binational Commission PDF | 58 KB

Last updated 08.05.2012

European Parliament President visits Berlin

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament, on 8 May during the latter’s first official visit to Berlin. Westerwelle congratulated Schulz on being elected President of the European Parliament in January 2012

The main topic of their talks was the current situation in Europe. Westerwelle stressed the need to supplement the fiscal compact with a pact on growth, in order to strengthen the Economic and Monetary Union. Westerwelle and Schulz both agreed that crisis management alone was not enough. Attention also needed to be devoted to the future development of Europe. Both men were of the opinion that the European Parliament would have an important role to play in that.

Westerwelle and Schulz agreed to continue their discussion on these issues at a later date.

Last updated 08.05.2012

The Security Council in May

Azerbaijan, one of the five new non permanent members of the Security Council, is assuming the Presidency for the month of May. One focus of this month’s programme is a meeting on 4 May on the topic of combating international terrorism, to be led by the Azerbaijani Presidency, which Foreign Minister Westerwelle will be attending.

The Security Council previously addressed this issue in September 2010 during the Turkish Presidency. Azerbaijan is seeking Council approval for a presidential statement. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki moon will speak to the members of the Security Council.

The Council will again visit the topic of terrorism on 10 May, when the members will receive briefings from the chairs of all terrorism-related committees. These committees are the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the sanctions committees on al Qaida and the Taliban, and the committee on terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Germany chairs the committees on al Qaida and the Taliban.

African trouble spots on the agenda

In May the Security Council will once again turn its regional focus to the situation in various African countries. Having on 2 May issued a resolution condemning the violent clashes between the Sudan and South Sudan and laying out a specific timetable for the cessation of hostilities, the Council will over the course of the month also address Guinea-Bissau and Somalia. On 7 May the members will, on the basis of a report by UN Secretary-General Ban, consult on the situation in the West African country of Guinea-Bissau, where a military coup took place on 13 April.

In East Africa, Somalia has been drawing the Security Council’s attention for years.

Lynn Pasco, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, is expected to brief the council on 15 May on issues including the implementation of the AMISOM mandate.

The Security Council has also planned a trip to West Africa. The UN representatives will visit Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire to learn more about the work of UN peace missions there.

Arab countries

The Council will also continue to address the situation in the Middle East and the Arab world, especially Syria. Closed sessions are to be held on 8 and 30 May on the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria.

Briefings on Libya are also scheduled, including a report from United Nations Support Mission in Libya head Ian Martin on the mission’s progress. Additionally, Luis Moreno Ocampo, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, will update the Council members on 16 May on the proceedings underway against Gaddafi son Saif al Islam and Libyan former intelligence head Sanussi.

Kosovo and Serbia

The regularly held debate on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is scheduled for 14 May. As usual, the foreign ministers of Serbia and Kosovo are expected to attend.

Last updated 02.05.2012

German Government assists modernization of IAEA safeguards lab

Rolf Nikel, the Federal Government Commissioner for Disarmament and Arms Control, visited the IAEA laboratories in Seibersdorf, near Vienna, on 2 May and was present as the first of two mass spectrometers financed by Germany started operations.

The director of the laboratory, Dr Gabriele Voigt, outlined what progress had been made on the overall project of giving the IAEA state-of-the-art safeguard analysis capabilities. The investment involved comes to more than 60 million euros and is provided for the most part through voluntary contributions from the member states. The 7.5 million euros made available by Germany are being used to purchase high-resolution analysis equipment for nuclear forensics and safeguard duties as well as protection for the laboratory itself in the form of, for example, modern surveillance and security technology.

Last updated 04.05.2012

Westerwelle at the UN Security Council in New York

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle spoke to the Security Council on 4 May about combating terrorism and safeguarding human rights. He discussed the situation in Syria with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Westerwelle said that the UN Security Council’s sanctions regimes had weakened terrorists’ resources during the last few years. As the current Chair of the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, Germany remained committed to working with all member states to combat terrorism. He went on to say that further efforts were needed. Above all, Germany strongly advocated a further strengthening of international cooperation and capacity building.

The Foreign Minister highlighted three points: first, all measures to counter terrorism always had to be based on respect for human rights and the principles of the rule of law. “These are the core values of our United Nations“, stated Westerwelle. Second, the UN sanctions regimes needed to be a leading example for fair and transparent procedures. For several years Germany had been advocating improvements in this field. Westerwelle encouraged the Security Council to continue on this route.

Third, efforts to incite terrorism and recruit terrorists, for example on the Internet, had to be effectively countered. “Identifying effective measures whilst ensuring full respect for fundamental freedoms is a challenge for all of us”, said Westerwelle. The whole international community had to work together to this end, he continued.

Click here to read Foreign Minister Westerwelle’s speech to the UN Security Council on 4 May in full.

Bilateral talks with the UN Secretary-General

During a subsequent meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Westerwelle discussed current international issues, including Iran, Myanmar and the situation in Syria. Westerwelle reaffirmed Germany’s offer to provide material and logistical support for the observer mission in Syria. In the morning, Westerwelle told journalists in New York that the situation in Syria was difficult. However, Germany wanted to see a political solution: “We want to support Kofi Annan’s six-point proposal. Firstly, we have to help the people. Secondly, however, we have to prevent the crisis from spreading to the rest of the region.”

After the Security Council meeting, Westerwelle attended a lunch with the UN Secretary-General and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, the current President of the UN Security Council. Prior to the lunch, Westerwelle had bilateral talks with Aliyev, during which the entire spectrum of bilateral issues was discussed.

Last updated 04.05.2012

Westerwelle in Washington: cultivating close transatlantic contacts

On 3 May, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle gave a speech before the American Jewish Committee and delivered another one to mark World Press Freedom Day at the National Press Club.

Westerwelle gave a speech to an audience of more than 1200 at the Global Forum organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in Washington. The speech focused on German-Jewish-American relations as well as the current challenges facing international politics.

Thanks for trust and friendship

Westerwelle thanked the American Jewish Committee for its trust in Germany and for the friendship of the last decades. Against the background of the Holocaust, this had by no means been self-evident. As early as the 1950s, the AJC was organizing exchange programmes with Germany. What is more, the organization supported German reunification following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Westerwelle also highlighted the importance of the transatlantic partnership. He said that it was based on shared values. Especially at a time of major challenges, this partnership was “a guiding light in a world of change”.

Iran’s nuclear programme: we will not accept Iran playing for time

The Minister spoke about current international challenges: Iran, Syria, the Middle East peace process, as well as the changes which have swept through the Arab world.

With regard to Iran’s nuclear programme, Westerwelle stated that Germany still believed in a diplomatic solution and would keep up the pressure on the Iranian regime. However, Germany was not naïve and would not accept Iran “playing for time”, nor would it accept talks for the sake of talks.

Westerwelle emphasized that Germany would not remain silent when Israel is threatened or its legitimacy called into question. Germany wanted to see Israel as a respected neighbour in a Middle East that is finally at peace.

Renewed urgency for a solution to the Middle East conflict

The Minister emphasized that in the light of the sweeping changes in the Arab world, a negotiated solution to the Middle East conflict was of renewed urgency. Just like the US, Germany supported a two-state-solution: Israel’s security had to be guaranteed; and there must also be a viable, democratic and independent Palestinian state.

With regard to the situation in Syria and in the Arab region, the Foreign Minister stated that repression could not be sustained in the long term.

Among others, the Foreign Minister was accompanied by Charlotte Knobloch, the former President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, and Rafael Seligmann, the founder and publisher of the new English-language newspaper “Jewish Voice from Germany”. In the evening, Westerwelle was the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by Robert Elman, the AJC President.

Full text of Foreign Minister Westerwelle’s speech to the American Jewish Committee’s Global Forum, 3 May 2012

World Press Freedom Day

In the morning, Westerwelle marked World Press Freedom Day with a speech to journalists about freedom of the media in the context of the Arab Spring and also worldwide. At an event organized by the renowned NGO Freedom House, Westerwelle stated that “freedom of the press and freedom of expression are inalienable rights. They are the cornerstones of democracy and freedom”. Thanks to the brave struggle of activists and journalists for a free press, today’s international community was more than ever able to watch, to get information, to judge and to act accordingly.

Westerwelle stressed “how heavy the responsibilities of journalists are and how precious – and dangerous – their daily work can be”. The Foreign Minister reminded his audience of the attempts by regimes such as Iran’s to oppress the free flow of information through censorship. Journalists were being arrested in Belarus, while in Syria they were being attacked and killed as they reported on the bloodshed there. Germany remained resolved not to look the other way when journalists were persecuted or political opponents oppressed.

Click here to read the full text of Foreign Minister Westerwelle’s speech on World Press Freedom Day

Last updated 04.05.2012

Bundeswehr mission in Kosovo is to continue

The German Government intends to extend the Bundeswehr’s participation in the international security presence for Kosovo (KFOR) by another year. As has been the case to date, up to 1850 German soldiers will be able to serve in the former Serbian province. The Bundestag first discussed the relevant bill on 10 May. The mission militarily safeguards the peace agreement in Kosovo.

During the 10 May Bundestag debate, Michael Link, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, said that the potential for escalation in Kosovo remained high. Link added that the international community bore a responsibility for ensuring the region’s stability.

The bill which the Federal Government submitted to the Bundestag on 2 May describes the situation in the Republic of Kosovo as fundamentally calm and stable, but with ongoing potential for escalation in the Kosovo-Serb-dominated north of the country. The situation escalated, for example, in autumn 2011 when Kosovo-Serb demonstrators blockaded roads. Additionally, a German-Austrian reserve battalion has gone on active duty for the parliamentary and presidential elections in Serbia on 6 and 20 May.

The German Government believes that only political engagement can achieve true improvement in living conditions in the region, and regards the initial results of the bilateral dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, which Germany supported and the EU brokered, as positive. Germany wants to push for further progress.

• EULEX Kosovo
• OSCE: Agreement with Serbia and Kosovo

Last updated 10.05.2012

Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle travels to the United States

From 3 to 5 May, Foreign Minister Westerwelle will be in Washington and New York. On 3 May, he will be in Washington to give a speech at the American Jewish Committee’s World Leaders Plenary, take part in an event marking World Press Freedom Day and meet with representatives of civil society. In New York on 4 May, Westerwelle will address a UN Security Council meeting on fighting terrorism.

In the morning of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, Westerwelle will take part in an event organized by the NGO Freedom House dedicated to freedom of the media in the context of the Arab spring and beyond. Thereafter, the Minister is scheduled to get together with representatives of American civil society. In his speech at the American Jewish Committee’s World Leaders Plenary in the evening, Westerwelle will pay tribute to the AJC’s important work to foster close German-American-Jewish cooperation.

Speech before the UN Security Council

In New York on 4 May, Westerwelle will address a UN Security Council meeting on fighting terrorism. Since January 2011, Germany has been chair of the UN Security Council al Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee. One focus of our commitment has long been to raise awareness of rule of law principles in the fight against terrorism.

Last updated 03.05.2012

Close cooperation with Sweden

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met with his Swedish counterpart Carl Bildt on 2 May in Berlin. Important topics discussed included the situation in Ukraine and the upcoming elections in Serbia.

After the talks, Foreign Minister Westerwelle emphasized the “close relationship of trust” between Germany and Sweden. Sweden, he said, was also a close partner for Germany in strengthening ties in the Baltic Sea region. On 4 May, Federal President Joachim Gauck will visit Sweden on one of his first trips abroad. The visit is to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the German School in Stockholm. Carl Bildt stated that this anniversary was a “sign of strength” of the long-term bilateral relations.

Keeping the channels to Kyiv open

The two countries are also working together to make progress on many European and international issues. For example, Germany and Sweden have long pushed for Ukraine to move closer to the European Union.

Minister Westerwelle expressed concern over the health of opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko and other prisoners. He reiterated the Federal Republic’s offer for Ms Tymoshenko to be treated in Germany. “The bridge to Europe is supported by two pillars: democracy and rule of law,” he said. Closer ties between Ukraine and the European Union depended, he added, on the protection of human rights. Germany would, however, continue to reach out to Ukraine because there was a strategic interest in the country “moving in the direction of Europe”. Sweden’s Foreign Minister Bildt also spoke in favour of “keeping the channels of communication open”.

Elections in Serbia

With a view to the parliamentary, regional, and local elections in Serbia and the first round of Serbia’s presidential elections on 6 May, Bildt and Westerwelle also commented on the situation in the Western Balkans. “People in Serbia must make their decision,” said Bildt, adding that much was at stake and that Serbia’s European orientation was most important.

The German Foreign Minister welcomed the fact that “Serbia and Kosovo have agreed to OSCE election support for those entitled to vote in Kosovo’s territory”. Both sides were called upon to “act responsibly and with restraint”. In the interest of a peaceful and orderly election process, both sides should “refrain from any unilateral action,” Westerwelle added.

• Ukraine: “We want a good solution”
• OSCE: Agreement with Serbia and Kosovo

Last updated 02.05.2012

OSCE: Agreement with Serbia and Kosovo

The Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe (OSCE) has reached an agreement with Serbia and Kosovo enabling it to support the Serbian parliamentary and presidential elections in Kosovo. Foreign Minister Westerwelle welcomed this step, saying that it was highly commendable that everyone involved had demonstrated such flexibility.

He went on to say that the agreement was an important contribution to easing the tensions in Kosovo in the run‑up to the elections. “Now all parties have to continue working to deescalate the situation so that the elections in May can be peaceful and orderly.”

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier also called on all sides to refrain from any provocation. He added that the OSCE had started organizing the establishment of polling stations so that everyone entitled to vote in Kosovo would be able to exercise their right to go to the polls.

Read more on the OSCE.

Last updated 30.04.2012

Intensifying ties to ASEAN

Foreign Minister Westerwelle has spoken out in favour of closer cooperation between the EU and ASEAN. Speaking in Brunei, where the Foreign Ministers from the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were meeting on 26 and 27 April, he emphasized the particular importance of relaunching negotiations about a free trade agreement.

Westerwelle declared that EU-ASEAN cooperation had enormous potential. Notwithstanding the two regions’ already dense network of economic relations, he announced the intention “to continue developing that network even further”. What this would require, he said, was negotiations for a free trade agreement and closer cooperation in the field of human rights.

Westerwelle described the ASEAN countries’ economic success in recent years as “impressive”, elaborating that “this is a good place to witness the shifting balance taking place on the world stage”. There had long been a host of “states positioned just outside of the limelight”, he said, “which have been becoming breathtaking economic success stories”.

Structural reform in Asia and Europe

On the subject of Europe’s current debt crisis, Westerwelle drew parallels between Europe now and the ASEAN countries in the 1990s, which overcame their debt crisis by means of structural reform. The Minister used the conference to urge people to have confidence in Europe and outlined the steps being taken to defeat the debt crisis. He reported that the EU had laid the right foundations and was in a position to continue building its success.

If international investment – from the ASEAN countries, for example – was to be drawn to Europe, it had to be made clear that Europe had the “will to make it”, Westerwelle said. “We are not an old continent,” he stated, “We are a continent with a very bright future; we just need to respond correctly to a changing world.”

Support for Myanmar’s policy of reform

Following the EU-ASEAN meeting, Foreign Minister Westerwelle’s journey takes him on to Thailand and Myanmar. Recent developments there were on the agenda at the Foreign Ministers Meeting. Westerwelle afterwards relayed the relief that had greeted Myanmar’s introduction of a reform policy. The ASEAN countries also welcomed the EU’s recent decision to suspend the sanctions it had imposed on Myanmar. “We hope that they will soon be superfluous,” Westerwelle said, adding that this would however depend on the reform policy lasting.

While in Myanmar, Westerwelle is scheduled to meet opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, as well as representatives of civil society. His visit is intended as a sign of encouragement and support for the cautious path of democratic reform, including dialogue with the Opposition, which the Government there has been pursuing since the end of 2010. For Westerwelle’s time in Thailand, there are plans for meetings with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Last updated 27.04.2012

International Contact Group holds discussions on Afghanistan

The International Contact Group on Afghanistan met on 25 April in Abu Dhabi and reiterated the willingness of the international community and the region to provide Afghanistan with long-term, concrete support. Today, 54 countries and organizations are members of the group, which is headed by the Special Representative of the Federal Government for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Michael Koch. This time, the meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates. Several members of Afghanistan’s government took part.

In the next months, the results of the International Afghanistan Conference, held in Bonn on 5 December 2011, are to be implemented. The future of Afghanistan’s security forces will be discussed at the NATO summit in Chicago on 20 and 21 May. Already, responsibility for the security in the country is being handed over to Afghanistan’s security forces, which will take over this role from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) by 2014. A meeting of foreign ministers on 14 June in Kabul is to advance cooperation and confidence building in the region. A conference in Tokyo on 8 July will discuss Afghanistan’s civil and economic development beyond the withdrawal of international combat troops in 2014. The International Contact Group plays an important role in preparing these conferences.

• Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan

Last updated 26.04.2012