German Afghan Dialogue on Peace and Islam

At the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office, a high ranking delegation of the Afghan Ulema Council and representatives of the Afghan High Peace Council visited Berlin from 3 to 7 June. The delegation was headed by Qiamuddin Kashaf, Chairman of the Ulema Council and Ataullah Lodin, the second deputy of the High Peace Council.

The motto of the visit was German Afghan dialogue on peace and Islam.

The highlight of the programme was a reception given by Federal President Gauck, which provided an opportunity to continue the dialogue started in December 2012 in Kabul between the President and the Ulema Council. During their one and a half hour talks, the members of the delegation had an exchange of views with the Federal President on current and future challenges in Afghanistan, not shying away from issues such as human and women’s rights.

In addition, the delegation held political talks with members of the Bundestag Committees on Human Rights and Foreign Affairs as well as representatives of the Federal Foreign Office, focusing amongst other things on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process as well as the development of democracy, human rights and stability in Afghanistan.

The members of the delegation met representatives of various civil society organizations to discuss German experience with reconciliation, the role of the civil society in Germany as well the situation of Muslims in this country.

In addition to this, the Berghof Foundation organized an academic seminar on experiences with the peace and reconciliation processes in South Africa and the Middle East, which enabled the participants to learn lessons and recognize parallels with regard to challenges in Afghanistan.

Last updated 17.06.2013

Barack Obama to visit Berlin

On 18 and 19 June US President Barack Obama is expected in the German capital for his first visit during his term of office. In 2008 as a presidential candidate he spoke to around 200,000 people at the Victory Column monument. Now he is coming at the Chancellor’s invitation, just a few days before the 50th anniversary of the famous Kennedy speech (“Ich bin ein Berliner”).

On 19 June Obama will speak at Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate. For many days Berlin and the Federal Government have been conducting intensive preparations for the visit. As well as holding political talks, the President will also meet schoolchildren. He will be welcomed to Schloss Bellevue by Federal President Joachim Gauck and to the Federal Chancellery by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

For Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, the visit reflects “the significance of the German-American relationship in a rapidly changing world”. He said that the partnership with America was essential for Germans and Europeans “in order to join forces in upholding peace, security and prosperity in the age of globalization”. In a video message the Chancellor also called for further development of the friendship with the United States to move relations into a new sphere.

Moving even closer together with a free-trade area

This chiefly involves the project of an EU-US free-trade agreement. For Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle, the visit of the US President is also the “symbolic kick-off” for negotiations on this agreement, the aim of which is soon to generate more growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. On 17 June, during the G8 Summit in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, the European participants and the US President gave the green light for the start of negotiations on this Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). They are due to begin in Washington on 8 July.

• “To this day, we remain grateful to the United States”
• Transatlantic relations

Last updated 17.06.2013

Protests in Turkey

Protests in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other Turkish cities continued through the weekend. Clashes between the police and protesters again saw violence deployed and a number of people arrested. The police made use of tear gas and water cannon. A large number of people were injured, and several have died in connection with the protests.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has described the harsh treatment of protesters by the Turkish police as “disturbing”. He said the involvement of the security forces was “a disappointment to those who had hoped for dialogue”. The resurgent violence represented, he said, “a considerable setback”.

Minister Westerwelle had previously made a point of addressing the Turkish Government “calmly but in no uncertain terms”, warning last Sunday that it was sending “completely the wrong message” not only to its own country but also to Europe. Westerwelle continued:

Negotiations with Turkey on the rule of law and fundamental rights

The Minister also underlined the importance of opening the chapters on justice, fundamental rights, freedom and the rule of law which form part of the European Union’s negotiations with Turkey. The German Government, he said, saw an urgent need for negotiation on these points: “The events of recent days alone should spur us on to ensure these chapters are unblocked – in the interests of the people there, in the interests of their desire for greater liberty and their justified demands for freedom of opinion and assembly and the right to demonstrate peacefully.”

Minister Westerwelle took the opportunity to reiterate that the negotiations had no predetermined outcome, saying “the crucial thing is that the talks move forwards”.

Information for travellers

The Federal Foreign Office is constantly updating its Travel and Security Advice on Turkey. Travellers are requested to stay away from protests and crowds and to err on the side of caution. Public life may be affected by the general strike on 17 June; close attention to media reports is recommended. Everyone is urged to conduct themselves extremely carefully.

Last updated 17.06.2013

Syria: searching for ways to end the violence

Efforts to end the bloody conflict in Syria are ongoing. Germany will continue to call for an international conference on Syria to help pave the way for a political solution. Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle has indicated that Germany will not supply any arms to Syria. The Federal Government is appealing for consultations in the UN Security Council in the light of the new situation in order to reach a common position.

The Federal Government takes respectful note of the United States’ announcement of its intention to provide the Syrian opposition with military support, and will intensify information exchange with the US on the situation. The German Government continues to support the search for a political solution.

The report presented on 13 June by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay, on the number of killings in Syria once again highlights the scale of the humanitarian crisis, revealing that the conflict has claimed almost 93,000 lives to date. According to the report, the average monthly number of deaths as a result of the conflict is now around 5000. Pillay calls upon the conflicting parties to put an immediate end to the violence. “The only answer is a negotiated political solution.” To date the Federal Government has provided more than 140 million euros for the victims of the conflict to help both Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries and the people suffering in Syria itself.

Support for the international conference on Syria “Geneva 2”

Maintaining the pressure on the regime is also important to help ensure that the international conference on Syria currently being prepared on the initiative of Russia and the United States actually takes place. The initiative for the “Geneva 2” conference could be an “important step towards establishing the foundations for a political solution to the conflict in Syria”, said Foreign Minister Westerwelle, adding that “it is crucial that all parties to the conflict accept a political process.”

Lakhdar Brahimi, Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria, welcomed this as “the first hopeful news [...] in a very, very long time”. The Foreign Ministers of the Core Group of the Friends of the Syrian People also voiced support for the Russian-American proposal at their meeting in Amman on 22 May.

The Assad regime has agreed to attend the conference. With regard to the participation of members of the opposition, Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle appealed to the National Coalition of the Syrian Opposition to “recognize its responsibilities and obligations. Despite all the difficulties, the conference can help pave the way for a political solution.” He strongly urged the National Coalition to build an appropriate opposition and to participate constructively in the planned conference on Syria.

UN Security Council still divided

On 15 May, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the violence in Syria and calling on the regime to bring about political change. The resolution received 107 votes from the 178 countries represented, but it is non-binding. The National Coalition of the Syrian Opposition welcomed the resolution.

The United Nations Security Council, on the other hand, continues to struggle to agree on a united stance in relation to the Syrian regime. Russia and China, permanent members of the Security Council with veto powers, have rejected a total of three draft resolutions. Lakhdar Brahimi, the Joint Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Arab League, gave a report on the situation in the country to the United Nations Security Council at the end of January 2013 and appealed for the body to take action.

Germany, Switzerland and 55 other countries have called on the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court, given the reports of war crimes and crimes against humanity that have taken place there.

EU sanctions putting pressure on Assad’s regime

In the 19 rounds of sanctions to date, the EU has adopted restrictive measures against the Syrian regime, most recently on 27 May, when, after difficult negotiations, the EU Foreign Ministers decided to extend the sanctions regime by one year. The sanctions include a ban on travel to the EU for members of the Assad regime and those individuals and institutions supporting it, the freezing of their accounts in the EU and various trade and investment bans. These sanctions are intended to increase the pressure on the regime and persuade it to change course.

On the subject of the arms embargo, no agreement could be reached on extending the sanctions. These sanctions expired at the end of May. Now, therefore, member states could deliver arms and appropriate equipment to the National Coalition. This falls within the scope of national powers, but certain criteria must be observed, such as the EU Common Position of 2008.

Foreign Minister Westerwelle welcomed the political compromise, which maintains the pressure of sanctions on the Assad regime. He reiterated that Germany will not supply any arms to the conflict in Syria.

List of sanctions against the Syrian regime adopted by the EU

Opposition platform takes on new members

Syria’s opposition plays an important role in the planning for a peaceful future for the country. In November 2012, the opposition agreed to form a joint leadership body, the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, which has been recognized by the EU and the Group of Friends of the Syrian People as the Syrian people’s legitimate representative.

At its general assembly at the end of May, the National Coalition agreed to extend its alliance. The National Coalition recently stated: “we firmly reject and condemn all forms of terrorism and any extremist ideology or mentality, as do the Syrian people.” Germany is looking to work with its international partners to boost the development of institutions and internal cohesion in the National Coalition, in order to promote an alternative to the Assad regime.

Post-conflict reconstruction

Together with the United Arab Emirates, Germany is helping to establish a trust fund that is to serve as an international financing element for reconstruction. Within the framework of the Group of Friends, Germany has initiated a Working Group on Economic Recovery and Development. At the core group meeting in Istanbul it also announced support for establishing a project office in the Turkish-Syrian border region, as a contribution to improving the lives of ordinary people.

Help for those in need is provided both locally and in Germany

Refugee numbers have continued to rise dramatically, according to UN estimates. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs puts the number of people inside Syria relying on humanitarian aid at more than six million. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 1.6 million people have fled Syria to neighbouring countries and around 4.25 million people have been internally displaced. This number is increasing as the conflict continues.

You can read more about medical treatment in Germany for the seriously injured here.

Threat from chemical weapons stockpiles

Concerning recent accusations against the Assad regime of using chemical weapons against the opposition, Foreign Minister Westerwelle repeated several times his call for “the United Nations inspection mission to finally be permitted to enter the country so that they can freely investigate evidence of the use of chemical weapons”. He said that Germany was prepared to provide the mission by independent chemical weapons experts to Syria with personnel, logistical and material support. Westerwelle also warned the regime in Syria that using such weapons would be “completely unacceptable”. “Anyone even considering such a step,” he said, “should know that the world will hold them to account.”

On 30 May the German Ambassador to the United Nations, with partner countries, proposed to the UN Secretary-General that the United Nations fact-finding mission, which is still unable to enter Syria itself, begin local inspections in Syria’s neighbouring countries. This approach ties in with the proposal of Ake Sellström, head of the mission.

Overview of the situation in Syria

Related documents

• Joint statement of the Action Group for Syria, Amman, 22 May 2013 PDF | 34 KB
• Final Communiqué of the Action Group for Syria ("Geneva Communiqué), Geneva, 30 June 2012 PDF | 94 KB
• Annan's six-point plan PDF | 8 KB
• Resolution 2043 (2012) of the United Nations Security Council on the establishment of an observer mission in Syria
• Resolution 2042 (2012) of the United Nations Security Council on Syria
  
• Chairmen's Conclusion of the International Meeting of the Working Group on Economic Recovery and Development of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People, Abu Dhabi, 24. 5. 2012 PDF | 10 KB
• EU's decisions to date on sanctions against Syria
• Report of the Commission of Inquiry of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the situation in Syria (Update), 27 June 2012 PDF | 1 MB
• EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on Syria, 10 December 2012 PDF | 82 KB
• Chairman's conclusion of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People, 12 Dezember 2012 PDF | 99 KB
• Joint Statement of the Participating Countries in the Istanbul Meeting on Syria PDF | 43 KB
• EU Foreign Affairs Council results, 27 May 2013 PDF | 179 KB

Last updated 14.06.2013

Supporting the stabilization mission in Mali

The Federal Armed Forces are to participate in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The Federal Cabinet took the relevant decision on 5 June. The German Bundestag still has to give its approval. At the German Bundestag’s 1st reading of the German Government’s motion on 14 June, Foreign Minister Westerwelle asked for broad support for the planned deployment.

“Mali has taken initial steps towards a return to constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity,” the German Foreign Minister said in the Bundestag debate. He added that although the security situation in northern Mali had improved compared to last February it still remained fragile. He stressed the importance of now holding free, fair, transparent and inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections. According to Westerwelle, this would require state authority in the north to be restored as far as possible.

On 25 April, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2100 (2013) establishing the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The mission is to assume the tasks of the African led AFISMA with effect from 1 July and make a comprehensive contribution to stabilizing Mali. MINUSMA’s mandate is broader than that of AFISMA.

MINUSMA’s responsibilities include the following:

• Stabilizing important population centres, especially in northern Mali, and supporting efforts to restore state authority
• Supporting the implementation of the transition roadmap including national political dialogue and the election procedure
• Protecting civilians and United Nations staff
• Promoting and protecting human rights
• Assisting in humanitarian aid
• Supporting the preservation of cultural heritage
• Assisting the national and international judiciary

Last updated 14.06.2013

Great responsibility for Iran’s new President

Hassan Rohani, a cleric regarded as a moderate, was a surprise winner of the presidential election in Iran after the first ballot with just over 50% of the popular vote. The 64‑year‑old will take over from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was not allowed to stand again, having served two terms in office, in August.

Both in Iran and in the international community Rohani’s election has given rise to new hopes and expectations. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki‑moon, congratulated the new President on his victory, at the same time encouraging Iran “to play a constructive role in regional and international affairs”. The EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, who is negotiating with Iran on its nuclear programme on behalf of the E3+3 (Germany, France, Britain, China, Russia and the United States), said she was “firmly committed to working with the new Iranian leadership towards a swift diplomatic solution”.

In Berlin Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said: “The Federal Government expects the Iranian leadership and the new President to do their utmost to ensure without further delay a substantive, diplomatic solution to the nuclear conflict.” Germany would be “watching closely whether changes in Iran following this election open up new opportunities both within the country and in its external relations”.

The Federal Government trusts that Hassan Rohani will shoulder responsibility in a spirit of calm and hope, as he promised in his election campaign. “It is just as important and necessary that Iran meet its obligations concerning protection for human rights and that it try to play a constructive role in the region,” Westerwelle went on.

• Islamic Republic of Iran
• The conflict surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme

Last updated 15.06.2013

Continued support for UNIFIL

The Federal Government intends to extend Germany’s participation in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. The Cabinet decision taken on 5 June now needs to be approved by the German Bundestag. In the debate on 14 June 2013, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle asked the members of the Bundestag to vote for the mandate.

“The support provided by UNIFIL in equipping and training Lebanese armed forces remains vital,” stated Minister Westerwelle in the Bundestag. The mission was making “a crucial contribution towards preventing the crisis from spreading like wildfire through the region”. Extending the mission would also be in line with the wishes of Israel, Lebanonitself and the United Nations. The current Bundestag mandate, which expires on 30 June 2013, is to be extended until 30 June 2014. The maximum authorized number of soldiers is to remain unchanged at 300.

UNIFIL operates on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and the annual follow‑up resolutions. Most recently, the UNIFIL mandate was extended until 31 August 2013 with Security Council Resolution 2064 (2012).

Syria: the danger of the crisis spreading

In his speech, Westerwelle also addressed the situation in neighbouring Syria. He said that the German Government was taking recent indications that chemical substances had been used in Syria “very seriously”. Germany was pressing for a debate in the UN Security Council. Furthermore, Germany intended to continue calling for the planned international conference on Syria, even though the chances of such a conference were not “very great” at the current time. The Minister went on to say that lasting peace in Syria could only be achieved by a “political solution”. Germany would not deliver weapons to Syria but would respect any other conclusion reached by other partners. He said that there was a very real danger that the conflict would spread to other countries in the region.

Last updated 14.06.2013

Greater planning security for German schools abroad

The total of 141 German schools around the world provide children from different cultures with the opportunity to meet and engage in dialogue. In countries from Egypt to Venezuela they teach German language and culture, thus ensuring that Germany has a positive image in the world. On 13 June, the German Bundestag passed a new law for these schools. They are now, for the first time, being granted a legal entitlement to funding for three years which will give them a more secure basis for planning their work.

Cornelia Pieper, the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office responsible for cultural relations and education policy, spoke of a “historic moment for German schools abroad”. The Act was drafted at her initiative with the Federal Foreign Office acting as lead agency and cooperating with Länder, associations and the Central Agency for Schools Abroad. This would ensure that the work of these schools was recognized, Cornelia Pieper stated. “They are beacons of the German education system and pillars of a value-oriented foreign policy.”

And they are successful: a total of around 21,000 German and 58,000 non-German pupils in more than 70 countries attend German schools abroad.

Excellent preparation for studying in Germany

The Act is also intended to take into account the increased importance of these schools to Germany as a centre of higher education. For the German schools abroad provide excellent preparation for pupils in other countries intending to study or work in Germany. They thus make an important contribution towards attracting highly qualified students and workers to Germany. At the same time, they enable German children whose parents are working abroad to continue their schooling in the German system. That is especially important for German companies with bases abroad.

More independence

The German Schools Abroad Act implements the reform strategy for German schools abroad which was agreed upon by the Federal Government and the Länder in 2011. The number of teachers which the German state is legally bound to send to German schools abroad will be reduced in favour of considerably higher funding. In future, the schools will be able to choose whether to use these funds for employing additional teachers from Germany or for taking on suitable local teaching staff. The funding will – in contrast to the current situation – be granted in the shape of a budget which has no bearing on the schools’ own resources.

Minister of State Pieper stated, “They will become more independent as a result of budgeting.” German public funding of the schools will thus become both more predictable and more flexible for the schools.

You can find more information on German schools abroad and the network of partner schools at diplo.de

Last updated 14.06.2013

Germany helps fund World Congress against the Death Penalty

The 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty is being held this year in Madrid. From 12 to 15 June, human rights activists, senior politicians and members of international organizations from numerous countries around the world will gather to send a clear and concerted abolitionist message.

Together with its partners in the EU, the German Government campaigns worldwide for the abolition of the death penalty. As a sign of its support, it has made a financial contribution of 50,000 euros to the organization of the World Congress.

The 5th World Congress is expected to bring together over 1500 human rights activists, politicians, representatives of international organizations, academics and journalists from more than 90 countries in Madrid. They will share their experiences and develop new strategies for the campaign against capital punishment.

A visible sign

The organizers hope that policy-makers around the world will take even greater note of this year’s Congress than they did of previous events. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay and Thornbjørn Jagland, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, are to be joined by the Foreign Ministers of Spain, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Mauritania and Benin. Benin abolished the death penalty in 2011.

An official opening ceremony and a solemn closing ceremony followed by a march through the centre of Madrid are intended to bring the campaign against the death penalty to the attention of people worldwide.

The World Congress against the Death Penalty was established in 2001 by the French NGO “Ensemble contre la peine de mort” (ECPM – Together against the Death Penalty) and has since convened every three years.

More information:

• Abolition of Death Penalty
• Website of the 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty, Madrid (Spain), 12-15 June 2013

Last updated 12.06.2013

Day of the Peacekeeper 2013

Whether Afghanistan, Kosovo or South Sudan – Peacekeepers are on missions in many conflict zones. On 12 June, the Federal Government for the first time honoured German participants in peace missions for their dedication in the Federal Foreign Office. “They are a great advert for our country. We are proud of what they are doing”, Westerwelle said, paying tribute to the peacekeepers.

Together with Defence Minister Thomas de Maizière and Interior Minister Hans Peter Friedrich, he paid tribute to three soldiers, three police officers and three civilian experts. These nine German peacekeepers represent the more than 6500 Germans who worked on peace missions in 2012 alone. The first Day of the Peacekeeper is to draw attention to their dedication.

After all, this dedication is essential when it comes to stabilizing war and conflict zones in the long term and to establishing functioning rule of law structures. The German Government adopts a networked approach here in which the work of soldiers, police officers and civilian experts are dovetailed and of equal importance.

Peacekeepers from all three fields are often exposed to major risks and imponderables. The Ministers thanked them therefore for their courage and commitment and also voiced their gratitude to the peacekeepers’ families.

Difficulties, but also positive experiences in the field

Yet the peacekeepers also made clear that alongside the sacrifices and difficulties, there were many positive experiences to be gained by leaving their comfort zone.

“The feeling of really being needed, of being able to help, leaves its mark”, explained, for example, Lieutenant-Colonel Johannes Lammel, recently deployed in the UNMISS mission in South Sudan. And Inspector Karin Grunwald who worked on the EULEX mission in Kosovo said she wouldn’t have missed the experiences for the world as she had been able to make a difference, however small.

“That is why we became peacekeepers. We know that change is possible”, explained the German diplomat Martin Kobler who is currently the Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and has been appointed Head of the UN peace mission in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Not a job, a mission

As Kobler himself admitted, there are of course moments of utter exhaustion and desperation. But there has been a change for the better in the long term. The number of coups and armed conflicts in the world has fallen in recent decades and there are now more democracies. For Kobler, peacekeepers are making a decisive contribution to these positive developments.

But, it is also clear that work in a peace mission is not for everybody. After all, “Peacekeeping is not a job, but a mission.”

• Speech by Foreign Minister Westerwelle on the Day of the Peacekeeper
• World map of peace operations 2012 (provided by ZIF) PDF | 1 MB

Last updated 12.06.2013

Protests in Turkey

The most recent clashes between the police and protesters saw violence deployed and several people arrested, particularly in Istanbul and Ankara. The police made use of tear gas and water cannon.

Demonstrations have been held continuously in several urban centres in Turkey since the end of May. A large number of people have been injured, and several have died in connection with the protests.

Speaking in Berlin on 12 June, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said, “The images we are seeing of Taksim Square are disturbing.” He went on to issue the following statement:

His call came after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, among others, had also appealed to all involved for calm and peaceful dialogue.

Information for travellers

The Federal Foreign Office has amended its travel and security advice. Travellers are requested to stay away from protests and crowds and to err on the side of caution. Everyone is urged to conduct themselves extremely carefully.

Last updated 12.06.2013

Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Linkevičius in Berlin

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met with his Lithuanian counterpart, Linas Antanas Linkevičius, at the Federal Foreign Office. It is his first official visit to Berlin as Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The discussion focused on bilateral and regional issues. On 1 July, Lithuania will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months. Westerwelle said that Germany would give its full support to Lithuania’s Presidency.

Eastern Partnership

The EU’s cooperation with its eastern neighbours was another central topic of the talks. With a view to the third Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Vilnius in November 2013, Westerwelle and Linkevičius discussed the significance of and prospects for the Eastern Partnership.

Strong bilateral relations

Foreign Minister Westerwelle and his Lithuanian counterpart had most recently met on 5 and 6 June 2013 in Kaliningrad at the Ministerial Session of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Linkevičius has invited his colleagues from the other Baltic states as well as Germany’s Foreign Minister to this year’s “3+1” consultations in Vilnius.

More information:

• Lithuania
• Meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States
• The Eastern Partnership of the EU

Last updated 11.06.2013

10th anniversary of Touro College Berlin

At a ceremony at the Federal Foreign Office on 11 June 27 new Touro College graduates received their diplomas. It was also an occasion for the College to celebrate its 10th anniversary. After congratulating the new graduates, Foreign Minister Westerwelle noted that Touro College was a definite gain for Berlin’s higher education landscape.

Other speakers included Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavariaand patron of Touro College Berlin, Turkish Ambassador Hüseyin Avni Karslioğlu and André Schmitz, State Secretary for Cultural Affairs in the Berlin Senate Chancery.

Founded in 2003 in Berlin’s Charlottenburg district, Touro College Berlin currently has some 140 students enrolled on its degree programmes. Half of them are from Germany, while the other half come mostly from the United States, Israel and Eastern Europe. In addition to its American accreditation, the College has held German accreditation since 2012. Touro College and University System was established in 1970 and today has 19,000 students at 32 locations around the world.

• Speech by Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle in occasion of  the 10^th anniversary of the founding of Touro College Berlin and the graduation of the 2012/2013 class

Last updated 11.06.2013

Better emergency preparedness

How can preparedness for disasters and humanitarian emergencies be improved? A conference at the Federal Foreign Office on 11 June looks to find answers to this question. More than 120 representatives from 39 countries and 22 national and international organizations are attending. Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle opened the “Conference on Preparedness” together with Valerie Amos, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator.

In his speech, Westerwelle pointed out the increasing number of humanitarian challenges around the world, saying that the number of refugees had risen to a record high, that new violent conflicts were flaring up and that the number of natural disasters had doubled over the past twenty years. These growing challenges, Westerwelle continued, had pushed the international humanitarian system to its limit. He also said that in times of a debt crisis and austerity policies funding was limited.

More effective preparedness

Accordingly Westerwelle advocated a change of approach to humanitarian aid: “We have to move from reactive crisis management to proactive risk management.” By investing funds in preparedness, he said, it would be possible to provide aid that was more effective and longer lasting than could be provided by investing only in crisis management. The World Bank has calculated that every euro invested in preparedness means savings of four to seven euros if and when disaster strikes.

One and a half years ago, the Federal Government launched an initiative to promote a more effective implementation of measures in the field of disaster preparedness. Together with Poland, it organized a series of meetings and seminars on the subject in Geneva. The results have been collected in “Principles and Recommendations on Preparedness”, which is to be presented at the conference in Berlin. The conference is also intended as a forum to prepare the World Humanitarian Summit and the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, both taking place in 2015.

Last updated 11.06.2013

Trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan

On 8 and 9 June, Foreign Minister Westerwelle visited Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Kabul, the Minister met, among others, President Karzai. In Islamabad, he had a meeting with the new Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The talks in Afghanistan focused on the progress made in handing over responsibility for security and the withdrawal of the international combat troops. Another issue discussed was long–term international support for the country’s civilian reconstruction.

Helping Afghanistan to move towards a stable future

Following meetings with President Karzai and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul, Westerwelle stated during a joint press conference that Germanywould not abandon Afghanistan after 2014. He went on to say that Germanyhad a realistic picture of the situation and that further setbacks had to be reckoned with. Nevertheless, the troops withdrawal was necessary. It was therefore important to help Afghanistan to move towards a stable future.

Germany is one of the biggest troop providers for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Foreign Minister Westerwelle stated that his visit was also intended to demonstrate his solidarity with German troops, who were performing an important duty far away from home. The Minister talked to German soldiers about their work on the ground.

Even after the end of the ISAF mission and the withdrawal of combat troops in 2014, Germanywants to assist Afghanistan by providing advice, training and financial support. Foreign Minister Westerwelle stressed that Germany’s engagement increasingly has a civilian face.

Assisting the transitional process with civilian engagement

Changes in the work on the ground are already evident: in Mazar‑e‑Sharif, Foreign Minister Westerwelle opened the new German Consulate-General on 9 June. General Atta, the Governor of Balkh province, and Abdul Haider, Afghanistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, also attended the opening. Foreign Minister Westerwelle said in Mazar‑e‑Sharif that the new Consulate-General was a visible sign that Germany would continue its extensive civilian engagement after 2014.

At the invitation of the Afghan partners, Foreign Minister Westerwelle also visited the Blue Mosque in Mazar‑e‑Sharif. This magnificent building is considered to be the most important destination for pilgrims in Afghanistan and is one of the most significant art treasures in the Islamic world. In the afternoon, the Minister attended the inauguration of an only recently completed building: a new airport is to link Mazar‑e‑Sharif to the entire region and to promote economic reconstruction.

Click here for more information on Germany’s engagement in Afghanistan

Pakistan: regional power

The second stop on the trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan was Islamabad. Pakistan is a key partner for Germanyin South Asia and plays a major role in the region’s stability. In May 2013, elections were held in the country, which is estimated to have more than 160 million inhabitants.

Taking advantage of the momentum and supporting change

In Islamabad, Foreign Minister Westerwelle met the newly elected Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. The visit so soon after the Prime Minister took up office was intended to signal support for Pakistan’s democratic renewal. Westerwelle commented as follows at a joint press conference with his colleague Aziz:

Above all, these funds are to be used in 2013 and 2014 to finance projects in the spheres of energy, health, education and good governance.

Extending economic cooperation

Germany and Pakistan want to cooperate more closely in future in the economic sphere. Three very concrete steps were discussed during the meetings with Prime Minister Sharif and Foreign Minister Aziz: a large Pakistanbusiness delegation is to visit Berlin soon to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Westerwelle and newly elected Prime Minister Sharif agreed that experts from both sides will start preparing an investors’ conference soon. Finally, a German-Pakistan chamber of commerce is to be established to further advance ties between the two countries.

Click here for more information on Pakistan.

Last updated 08.06.2013

Country on the move

Boom time in Myanmar. The once isolated country is changing with breathtaking speed, thanks to President Thein Sein’s agenda of political and economic reform. Hundreds of political prisoners have been released and the National League for Democracy (NLD), the largest opposition party, is now represented in Parliament along with its leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who had previously spent years under house arrest. As a result of these developments, not only tourists but also politicians and investors are arriving in droves in the land of the golden pagoda. Oliver Bientzle, for the past three years deputy head of mission in Myanmar, reports on his work in a fascinating country on the move.

On my way in I step over little tea-shop chairs and a yawning street dog – no sign of any other watchdogs or minders. The gaily-coloured sign at the entrance bears an emblem that not long ago would have resulted in severe punishment for those displaying it. The door is wide open, inside people are bustling about, answering telephones or busily working at their laptops. Plucking up my courage, I ask my interlocutor if he feels anger towards those who made him suffer so much. He gives an answer I’ve heard many times before and it never ceases to amaze me. “Not at all,” he replies with a laugh. “What’s important now is to look ahead and get things moving together in the right direction.” The man I’m talking to is a former political prisoner. He was tortured in detention on the orders of the military junta and separated from his family for many years. Now he’s free and politically active. Along with his previously black-listed organization, he’s now advising the current civilian government and acting as an intermediary on its behalf.

Changes on the ground

Welcome to the new Myanmar! Not everything, but certainly a great deal has changed over the past three years. The changes are not just about the “big” issues like democracy, press freedom, peace and national reconciliation talks, they are also visible in the streets of Rangoon. All of a sudden you see people everywhere using mobile phones and the Internet, new buildings are going up all over the city, the streets are chock a block with new cars.

Driving back to the office I make only slow progress. Stuck in traffic, I’ve time to make some calls – and my close contacts with Germany’s political foundations stand me in good stead. The person I’ve called readily agrees to organize at short notice a working visit to Germany for the human rights activist I’ve just met. This was something he was very keen to do, he told me, as he felt his work would benefit from international experience.

It’s a very exciting business, being a diplomat in Rangoon right now. As deputy head of a fairly small mission, I’m involved in just about every aspect of our work here and can witness the historic transition from military dictatorship to democracy at first hand. Obviously there are still huge problems and challenges. But I’m deeply impressed by people’s desire to build their country anew.

Supporting the transition

In the afternoon I turn my attention to something quite different. German companies are keen to do business in Myanmar and support its reconstruction agenda. Given the country’s decades long isolation, however, many companies find they have to start from scratch. The Embassy is the only German body here with the know how they need – and so is much in demand. A great many companies – both relatively small and really big ones – turn to us for advice. The German entrepreneur who’s come to see me wants to know what sectors might be of interest and what local business partners he should approach. He leaves my office with a sense of optimism. The opportunities are enormous – and to be frank, so are the challenges encountered every day in this particular market.

It’s time for yet another change of subject. Later on in the afternoon I meet up with a woman journalist in a café. In the past we would have retreated to some corner in the back and talked in whispers. Now we sit down at a table in the middle of the crowded café,there are no more taboo subjects it’s better not to discuss in public. “The first draft of the new media bill is rubbish,” she says after greeting me in a voice that carries into every corner of the café. “There’s a lot of work to be done to get it right.”

What’s new here is that the ministry responsible for the bill not only listens to such criticism but is also ready to discuss it. That emerged very clearly from a major media conference recently held in Rangoon. At the Embassy’s suggestion, the Federal Foreign Office had arranged for a distinguished German legal expert to take part. The ideas and input he contributed were greatly appreciated by the conference participants. The “new” Myanmar is very keen to acquire new knowledge and to receive support. We’re helping them wherever we can.

Click here for more reports from our “On a diplomatic mission” series

Last updated 06.06.2013

Historic commercial buildings in the Bazaar in Erbil (Iraq, autonomous region of Kurdistan)

The autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq is an emerging political and economic centre in the country with a cultural heritage stretching back thousands of years.

An interdisciplinary team of art historians, architects, engineers, archaeologists, restorers and preservation experts has been working in the historic Bazaar of the Kurdish city of Erbil since 2012 with support from the Cultural Preservation Programme of the Federal Foreign Office.

The Berlin Working Group on Building Research and the Preservation of Monuments in the Orient (BABDO), which is led by staff from the Technische Universität Berlin and the German Archaeological Institute, has set itself the goal of coming up with a scientifically sound restoration plan which complies with preservation standards for two late Ottoman Bazaar buildings, so-called Qaisariyas.

The Qaisariyas are buildings which could originally be shut off with large doors and which contained a planned system of arcaded walkways edged with hundreds of virtually identical craftsmen’s workshops. One special feature of Erbil’s two Qaisariyas is that they have upper levels, accessible via wooden galleries.

Both buildings have suffered greatly from decades of neglect as well as from earthquakes and the impact of war and are in urgent need of specialist repair and conservation if they are to be preserved as historic features of Erbil’s Old Town.

In 2012 the eastern Qaisariya – the tailors’ Qaisariya – was surveyed and documented in two four week stints. This work was carried out in cooperation with members of the staff of the local antiquities management authority and students from the Technische Universität Berlin, thus making it an international trainee programme.

The findings of these surveys, along with maps showing the damage to the buildings, archive research, interviews and other investigations, formed the basis for a preservation masterplan which was presented to the Kurdish regional authorities in April 2013.

One pilot area has already been restored, both to give some impetus for the overall restoration project and to try out the proposed conservation methods under the actual conditions on the spot. Natural stone surfaces were cleaned, plasterwork repaired, damaged wooden parts replaced and new shutters installed in keeping with historical examples.

Last updated 06.06.2013

Meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States

On 5 and 6 June, Foreign Minister Westerwelle participated in the Ministerial Session of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in Kaliningrad. Following the meeting, Westerwelle stated that the Baltic Sea region was strategically important in Europe, adding thatthe Council of the Baltic Sea States was “a good forum for exchange of opinions and cooperation” for the bordering states.

Westerwelle said that important areas of cooperation included the energy sector, security and cross-border contacts between the people of the region’s countries. At the same time he emphasized that active civil society was important for regional cooperation and in this context welcomed the fact that a forum of non-governmental organizations had now become an integral part of the Council of the Baltic Sea States’ meetings. Non-governmental organizations had also met before the Ministerial Session of the Council of the Baltic Sea States to discuss important issues.

The CBSS meets every other year at Foreign Minister level. At their Ministerial Sessions, the Foreign Ministers determine the priorities for the following two years. The Foreign Ministers met for their most recent Session in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, in June 2011. This present meeting in Kaliningrad gave the Foreign Ministers the opportunity to discuss current international issues as well as regional topics.

The Council’s members are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the European Commission. Germany held the presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in 2011/2012. Currently, Russia holds the presidency, which it will pass on to Finland in July 2013.

Last updated 06.06.2013

Asia-Pacific Weeks 2013

A forum for dialogue and exchange with a region with a thriving economy – that is what the Asia Pacific Weeks in Berlin want to be. The opening ceremony took place on 5 June at the Federal Foreign Office.

The figures Foreign Minister Westerwelle mentioned in his opening speech speak for themselves. About 60 percent of the world’s population are now living in Asia; 1.8 billion people are under the age of 24. Asian countries already produce almost one third of global output, many countries are forecasting growth rates at over six percent. Each of these figures tells a success story, Westerwelle said. And, as he continued, “Each of these success stories offers more opportunities for increased cooperation with Germany and Europe”. All sides could benefit if this cooperation was properly designed, the Minister added.

Philippine Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and Berlin Economic Affairs Senator Cornelia Yzer also attended the opening ceremony.

Facing urban challenges

As part of the Asia Pacific Weeks, the Smart Cities Conference will be held at the Federal Foreign Office on 5 and 6 June. Asian and German experts from the business world, academia and the political community will discuss the urban challenges facing Europe and the growing mega-cities of Asia in expert forums and workshops. The focus will be on topics such as sustainable urban development, efficient energy supplies, intelligent transport infrastructure and urban safety.

• Asia Pacific Weeks 2013, programme flyer PDF | 308 KB

Last updated 05.06.2013

Supporting the stabilization mission in Mali

The Federal Armed Forces are to participate in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The Federal Cabinet took the relevant decision on 5 June. The German Bundestag still has to give its approval. At the German Bundestag’s 1st reading of the German Government’s motion on 14 June, Foreign Minister Westerwelle asked for broad support for the planned deployment.

“Mali has taken initial steps towards a return to constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity,” the German Foreign Minister said in the Bundestag debate. He added that although the security situation in northern Mali had improved compared to last February it still remained fragile. He stressed the importance of now holding free, fair, transparent and inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections. According to Westerwelle, this would require state authority in the north to be restored as far as possible.

On 25 April, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2100 (2013) establishing the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The mission is to assume the tasks of the African led AFISMA with effect from 1 July and make a comprehensive contribution to stabilizing Mali. MINUSMA’s mandate is broader than that of AFISMA.

MINUSMA’s responsibilities include the following:

• Stabilizing important population centres, especially in northern Mali, and supporting efforts to restore state authority
• Supporting the implementation of the transition roadmap including national political dialogue and the election procedure
• Protecting civilians and United Nations staff
• Promoting and protecting human rights
• Assisting in humanitarian aid
• Supporting the preservation of cultural heritage
• Assisting the national and international judiciary

Last updated 14.06.2013

Continued support for UNIFIL

The Federal Government intends to extend Germany’s participation in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. The Cabinet decision taken on 5 June now needs to be approved by the German Bundestag.

The current Bundestag mandate, which expires on 30 June 2013, is to be extended until 30 June 2014. The maximum authorized number of soldiers is to remain unchanged at 300. The focus of the mission will continue to be on supporting the Lebanese navy in training and building up its capacities.

The aim of the UNIFIL mission is to help bring about a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel following the Second Lebanon War in 2006. The German Government has a strategic interest in lasting peace in the Middle East. Since the most recent extension of the UNIFIL mandate the security situation in the region has deteriorated – as a result of domestic tensions in Lebanon and the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Syria.

UNIFIL operates on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and the annual follow‑up resolutions. Most recently, the UNIFIL mandate was extended until 31 August 2013 with Security Council Resolution 2064 (2012).

Last updated 05.06.2013

Using innovative teaching techniques for trauma therapy

Schools must become involved in trauma therapy, thereby helping shape the future of Libyan children and youths. This in a nutshell describes the work of stART international e.V., which is supported by the Libyan Ministry of Education and funded by the Federal Foreign Office.

Every war traumatises the affected individuals. This is particularly the case for children. Such a simple yet true observation is the point of departure for stART international e.V., an association that helps children in need, in its efforts to aid Libyan children and youths.

The members of stART visited schools in Libya as early as 2011, while fighting was still going on. Despite the war, they worked to establish a school programme for Libyan children, who were forced to stay at home. The project strove to break through the children's isolation and to bring some form of normality back to their lives.

One stART member describes the early phase of work in Libya as follows:

School as a means for coping with trauma

Many children and youths in Libya are suffering from post-traumatic stress symptoms triggered by the war: pupils have difficulty attending school on a regular basis or focussing on their studies due to their experiences. That is exactly where stART workshops and methods come in. 

Since October 2011, the association has been helping Libyan children and youths overcome emotional distress caused by the civil war. For this, multinational teams of therapists, artists and educators are sent into schools not only in Tripoli, but in many other parts of the country as well, such as Misrata, Surt and Gharyan. There, they conduct artistic and educational activities that help children recover from their traumatic experiences.

Promoting new teaching methods

Educators, too, are suffering from post-traumatic stress symptoms. This affects their ability to teach and makes returning to work and everyday school life difficult. That is why, in connection with the project, stART also offers further training to Libyan educators, social workers and nursery teachers. These workshops on creative teaching and education techniques promote child-focussed, healthy, and holistic education. A total of 14 workshops were held in 2011 and 2012, each of which ran for several days.

Funding for the project is provided by the Federal Foreign Office within the framework of the Transformation Partnership.

For additional information:

• Helping to rebuild Libya

Last updated 03.06.2013

“The Consensus Workshop” – results of Franco-German research project presented

Summing up his reaction to the book, Minister of State Michael Georg Link noted that some of the findings were “pretty blunt”, others were “practical recommendations”. In either case, they were exceedingly well-timed. For even in its 50th anniversary year, the Élysée Treaty was still the cornerstone of Franco-German relations.

In his capacity as Commissioner for Franco-German Cooperation, Minister of State Link presented on 3 June a new book entitled “The Consensus Workshop: Franco-German communication and decision-making processes in the European policy context”. Prepared with Federal Foreign Office support and funding, the book sums up the results of a two-year Franco-German research project to mark the 50th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty.

The Élysée Treaty is about “method”

In his introductory remarks, Link emphasized how extremely modern the Élysée Treaty is. What it was really about was method, he explained. It was an attempt to commit the two countries and their institutions to work together to advance European solutions.

Both partners wanted also in future to break new ground in areas such as cross-border cooperation, for example. In this 50th anniversary year of Franco-German friendship, it was right and fitting to re energize and intensify Franco-German cooperation.

Minister of State Link thanked Stiftung Genshagen, the German Council on Foreign Relations and Cergy-Pontoise University for all the work they had put into this Franco-German research project.

“The Consensus Workshop: Franco-German communication and decision-making processes in the European policy context”

With the book presentation, a two-year Franco-German research project to mark the 50th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty came to an end. The Federal Foreign Office provided support and funding for the project. The aim of the research was to analyse how Franco-German consultation processes functioned in practice.

To this end thirty German and French experts from think tanks and universities conducted a number of case studies. In binational teams they examined how Franco-German cooperation functioned, for example, in framing responses to the upheavals in the Arab world or the changes in German and French energy policy following the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The book presenting the results of this research is co edited by Stiftung Genshagen, the German Council on Foreign Relations and Cergy-Pontoise University in France. The German version was published in May 2013 by Nomos-Verlag. For more information please visit the external link, opens in new windowStiftung Genshagen website.

Last updated 04.06.2013

Foreign trade congress for the food and agriculture industry

Internationalization and sustainability were the two key issues at the foreign trade congress for the food and agriculture industry held at the Federal Foreign Office on 4 June. Foreign Minister Westerwelle opened the event alongside Ilse Aigner, Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.

The very fact that this was the fifth time this event had been held, Westerwelle said, was in itself a demonstration of sustainability. As he explained, the point here was not to record a snapshot but to recognize and support a sector that had great significance not only in the domestic economy but also abroad.

He commended the food industry – which is responsible for a turnover of almost 170 billion euros in 2013 alone and employs more than 500,000 people in around 6000 companies – as “a pillar upholding prosperity and employment” in Germany and simultaneously playing an extremely important role in foreign policy.

The foreign trade congress for the food and agriculture industry brings together representatives of business and experts in the field. It is intended to provide strategic guidance, practical tips and fresh impetus for successful internationalization.

• Agricultural policy: “Building up global networks”

Last updated 04.06.2013

Arms Trade Treaty: Historic breakthrough and first step for further initiatives

On 3 June, Foreign Minister Westerwelle signed the Arms Trade Treaty in New York. The Treaty is the first to lay down binding rules for the export of arms.
“This Treaty is a step forward. It is surely also an historic breakthrough but it has not yet taken us where we ultimately want to go. We want more. That is why this is the first step for further initiatives,” as the Minister emphasized. More than 60 other countries also signed the Treaty today.
Up until now, there have been no internationally applicable standards for the trade in conventional arms. Consequently, so called small arms and light weapons in particular have proliferated unchecked, fuelling conflicts and facilitating human rights violations.

By signing the Treaty at the earliest opportunity, the German Government is taking a clear position on disarmament, non proliferation and arms control. The Federal Cabinet approved the signing of the Treaty on 22 May and it will enter into force as soon as 50 countries have ratified it. In Germany, the ratification process in the Bundestag and Bundesrat is to be completed quickly.

It covers battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large-calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft and attack helicopters, warships, missiles and missile launchers as well as small arms and light weapons. Prior to exporting any of these items supplier countries must assess for example whether they could be used to seriously violate human rights or international humanitarian law.

Last updated 03.06.2013

Mexico: Developing new partnerships

The aim of Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle’s trip to Mexico on 31 May and 1 June was to further develop Germany’s cooperation with this emerging power in Latin America.In Mexico City Westerwelle met, among others, his Mexican opposite number, José Antonio Meade Kirubeña.

Emerging powerhouse

With this visit Foreign Minister Westerwelle wanted to commend and deepen Germany’s relations with what is Latin America’s second-largest country in terms of population and economic strength. Mexico, a country with which Germany has continually strengthened its relations in recent years, is regarded as a dynamic emerging powerhouse in the region.

The two Foreign Ministers set great store by this at their joint press conference: Westerwelle stressed that relations between the two countries were diverse and characterized by close cooperation between equals. Far beyond mere economic connections, he went on, the two societies enjoyed links in culture and education. This was reflected, for instance, in over 200 university partnerships and German “contact schools” with almost 6000 students. Westerwelle’s Mexican colleague, José Antonio Meade, said Mexico still wanted to learn from Germany in many areas, for example regarding the dual system of vocational training.

Germany also works with Mexico on major global issues, such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which Foreign Minister Westerwelle will be signing in New York after his visit to Mexico. Germany and Mexico also cooperate on climate protection.

Economic relations on a sound basis

Around 1300 companies with German participation are registered with the Mexican Economics Ministry, most of them in the automotive and automotive suppliers industry as well as in pharmaceuticals, chemicals and logistics. German companies employ more than 120,000 people in Mexico. The bilateral volume of trade amounted to approx. 18 billion dollars in 2012. This makes Germany Mexico’s leading economic partner in the EU.

Click here for more information on German-Mexican relations

Photos of the trip from our photo gallery may be reproduced free of charge.

Last updated 01.06.2013

Global cooperation

The planned free trade agreement between the United States and the European Union, the current conflicts in Syria, the Middle East, Iran’s nuclear programme and the situation in Afghanistan were all issues at the centre of the intensive talks between Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle and his US counterpart John Kerry. Kerry thanked the German Foreign Minister for “a friendship that has grown” and “a wonderful working relationship”.

Support for the Russian-American initiative on Syria

Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle once again expressed his full support for the initiative put forward by the United States and Russia for an international conference on Syria. He declared that a political solution was the only way to put an end to the violence in Syria in the long term. Kerry thanked Germany for its commitment to resolving the Syria conflict.

Westerwelle and Kerry called upon all the conflict parties to use the chance offered by the planned conference on Syria. Westerwelle urgently appealed to the National Coalition of the Syrian Opposition to participate in the negotiations. He described Russian arms deliveries to the Assad regime as conveying “the wrong message”.

Middle East: “Direct talks are of utmost importance”

Westerwelle reinforced Germany’s support for the US Secretary of State’s most recent initiative to revive the Middle East peace process. Westerwelle, who had just visited the Middle East in mid May, underlined the common goal to reactivate direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians. He said that new impetus for the peace process and direct talks were of “utmost importance”.

Kerry welcomed Westerwelle’s stated willingness to be a key partner on both the economic and the political side in the search for a solution to the Middle East conflict.

Transatlantic free trade: “The time is ripe”

A central issue for both ministers was the planned transatlantic trade and investment partnership (TTIP). According to Westerwelle this will open up huge opportunities for growth and employment on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Minister went on to say that in this age of globalization this would not only create prosperity and jobs without further debt, but would also send a strong political signal.

He said that Germany, with bilateral trade totalling 150 billion US dollars, was the United States’ most important trading partner in Europe.

Kerry underscored his conviction that this free trade agreement constituted a decisive step for the economy in both countries and would have a global impact.

“Opportunities and challenges of a transatlantic free trade agreement” Article by Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle

Other issues

Kerry paid tribute to the leadership role Germany was playing in Northern Afghanistan and thanked Westerwelle for the commitment that Germany had pledged beyond the withdrawal date of 2014.

On the subject of Iran, Westerwelle reiterated that nuclear weapons in the hands of the regime were “not an option” for Germany. He said the E3+3 negotiations with Iran must be revived but that he also expected “tangible results”.

Transatlantic relations

Photos of the trip from our photo gallery may be reproduced free of charge.

Last updated 31.05.2013

Transatlantic partnership of values

On the first leg of his trip to North America and Mexico, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met with his Canadian counterpart John Baird in Ottawa on 30 May. They discussed bilateral questions and above all the planned trade agreement between the EU and Canada and the conflict in Syria.

During his visit to Ottawa, Foreign Minister Westerwelle and his Canadian counterpart Baird had lively discussions. Topics included strengthening the close political, cultural and economic ties as well as the upcoming international agenda.

They said they wanted above all to cooperate more closely in the economic field.Germany thus supports the rapid conclusion of the planned trade agreement between the European Union and Canada.Westerwelle said this would be of mutual benefit to the people of both countries, promoting exchange between the two partners with common values.

In terms of international cooperation, Westerwelle and Baird discussed mainly the difficult situation in Syria and efforts to find a political solution. Westerwelle expressed his concern over the National Coalition of the Syrian Opposition’s announcement that it would not take part in the Russian-American initiative for a conference on Syria: “The news from the meeting of the Syrian Opposition in Istanbul is disturbing.I strongly urge the National Coalition to build an appropriate opposition and to participate in the planned conference on Syria constructively.”

Active international cooperation

Germany and Canada actively cooperate in international bodies, above all in questions of security and disarmament, human rights, humanitarian activities and peacekeeping operations. Both countries share common values and core beliefs.This can be seen in Afghanistan, in the Balkans, policies on the third world, disarmament and arms control questions and in the United Nations – and, to give just one concrete example, in the initiative on control and non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Germany and Canada are also both involved in the group of the Friends of the Syrian People.

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

Other stops: USA and Mexico

On 31 May, he will then visit United States Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington. Talks there will focus on the continuing conflict in Syria and the Middle East peace process. The two Foreign Ministers also want to discuss the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, with which the United States and the European Union want to create a common market.Westerwelle and Kerry will be picking up the discussion they started in February, when Kerry visited Berlin shortly after taking office.

The third stop on his trip will be Mexico, a dynamic powerhouse on the rise, a country with which Germany has strengthened its relations in recent years.There Westerwelle will meet with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Antonio Meade, who took office in December 2012, and others.

Signing the Arms Trade Treaty

On 3 June, Westerwelle will return to the United States, this time to the United Nations in New York, where he will be one of the first Foreign Ministers to sign the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). This Treaty is the first to lay down internationally binding rules and common minimum standards for arms exports.

The ATT enters into force as soon as it has been ratified by 50 countries. Germany’s Government is strongly committed to seeing the Treaty implemented rapidly; the Federal Cabinet approved the signing on 22 May.Westerwelle expressed confidence that the ratification process in the Bundestag and Bundesrat would be completed quickly.

Last updated 30.05.2013

Ten years of fighting against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

High-level representatives of 72 states met in Warsaw on 27 May to mark the 10th anniversary of the “Proliferation Security Initiative” and to show their support for this initiative. Germany was represented by the Federal Government Commissioner for Disarmament and Arms Control, Ambassador Rolf Nikel.

The PSI was launched in Kraków almost exactly ten years ago, on 31 May 2003. In the course of the years, the number of participants has increased from the original eleven to 21 active member states today. So far 102 countries have expressed their political support for the initiative’s goals.

The PSI’s aim is to interdict the transfer or transport of materials and technologies that can be used to develop and produce weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.

The PSI does not establish any new legal basis for this. Rather, its members seek to enhance their capacity to interdict such deliveries by building up communication networks and carrying out joint training exercises.

More information on the Proliferation Security Initiative can be found at diplo.de.

Last updated 30.05.2013