Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier issued the following statement in Berlin today (7 July) on the death of former Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze:

“As Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union and later as President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze had a major impact on our continent’s history.

With his death, the world has lost a person who demonstrated courage and vision in times of great historic changes. His role in overcoming the Cold War and the division of Europe shall not be forgotten.

German reunification would not have been possible without his resolve and commitment.”