Germany.info : Government & Politics: Latest News

Germany.info Home: Government & Politics

Government & Politics

Latest News

Steinmeier: Russia’s Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Unacceptable

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday criticized Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s decision to recognize the Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, saying this step violates the territorial integrity of a sovereign neighboring state.

NATO Supports Resolution of Caucasus Conflict

Following a special foreign ministerial session of the North Atlantic Council in Brussels, Foreign Minister Steinmeier once again called on Russia to withdraw its troops from Georgia. All six points in the plan signed by both sides had to be implemented now, he continued.

Chancellor Merkel: Important to Keep Diplomatic Channels Open

"The Chancellor has stressed that it is particularly important to keep diplomatic channels open in this critical situation," deputy government spokesman Steg reported. Chancellor Merkel has been deeply concerned about the hostilities in Georgia.

Steinmeier in Afghanistan : Improve Security and Step Up Support

As Foreign Minister Steinmeier concluded his trip to Afghanistan, his impression was that progress is being made in police and army-building, that reconstruction projects are having a positive impact, but that the security situation is worsening. Germany thus wants to further step up its police-building activities.

Steinmeier in Afghanistan : Talks on Stabilization and Reconstruction

On the second day of his visit, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke to President Hamid Karzai and Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta in Kabul about the political situation and progress in the field of reconstruction. Steinmeier also met representatives of the United Nations Mission and the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Steinmeier meet with Senator Obama

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foriegn Minister Steinmeier met the Democratic Party's probable candidate for the US presidential elections, Barack Obama in Berlin on July 24. Senator Obama gave a public speech at the "Siegesäule" later that day.

Foreign Minister Steinmeier visits Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in the city of Herat, in western Afghanistan, at the start of a four-day visit.

"Die Zeit" Interview with Foreign Minister Steinmeier on July 24

Foreign Minister Steinmeier discussed transatlantic relations, Germany's commitment in Afghanistan and Europe's changed position in a multipolar world in an interview with "Die Zeit ".

Merkel: I expect a High Degree of Continuity

Chancellor Angela Merkel today met the Democratic Party's probable candidate for the US presidential elections, Barack Obama. Merkel had been looking forward to the visit so that she could get to know Obama personally.

Recruits Take Solemn Pledge in Front of Reichstag

For the first time in the more than 50-year history of the German Armed Forces, soldiers publicly took their solemn pledge in front of the Reichstag. The event marked the 64th anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on Hitler’s life on July 20th, 1944.

Germany Strongly Committed to UN, Millennium Development Goals

At their meeting in Berlin, Merkel and Ban Ki-moon discussed UN peacekeeping missions, situations in Darfur, Myanmar and Afghanistan, the Millennium Development Goals, and climate change mitigation. With stops in Berlin and Bonn, it was the Secretary-General's first official visit to Germany.

After Paris Summit, Merkel Says Mediterranean Union Off to a Good Start

The Middle East and North Africa are strategically important to the EU. The EU member states thus want to step up cooperation efforts in the region and enter into what Merkel called "a partnership of equals." The new Mediterranean Union rests on its members' hopes for peace and stability in the Middle East.

G-8 Summit: Leaders Agree to Halve Greenhouse Emissions by 2050

The major industrial nations meeting in Japan have endorsed the goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The G-8 wants to take this joint position into negotiations on a follow-on agreement to the Kyoto Protocol.
Merkel described the move as clear progress in protecting the climate.

G-8 Summit: Chancellor Merkel Pledges 600 Million Euros for Africa

On the first day of the G-8 summit on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, leaders met with representatives of seven African states. Important topics included rising food and oil prices as well as the Millennium Development Goals. Germany will be providing 600 million euros for the agricultural sector.

“Welcome Home”: US Embassy Returns to Historic Site at Center of Berlin

On July 4, the US Embassy in Germany will officially return to its historic site on Pariser Platz in the heart of Berlin, right next to the Brandenburg Gate and near the Bundestag. Chancellor Angela Merkel and former US President George H.W. Bush will be the guests of honor for the opening ceremony.

Berlin Conference Sends Clear Signal of Support for Establishment of Palestinian State

The international community of nations gathered in Berlin for the Conference in Support of Palestinian Civil Security & The Rule of Law is willing, together with the Palestinian government, to work for more security and a functioning legal system.The Summary of the Chair sums up the results.

Foreign Minister Steinmeier Holding Political Talks in Beijing

Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Beijing today, during a three-day trip to the country that will also include stops in Chongqing and Chengdu.
Read More

Merkel and Sarkozy: Continue Lisbon Treaty Ratification Process, Despite Outcome of Irish Referendum

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy issued a joint statement today on the results of the Irish referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon on June 12, saying they respectfully take note of the results but “very much regret the outcome.”

Merkel-Bush Meeting in Meseberg: Shared Interests, Common Strategies

Only a few weeks before the G-8 summit meeting in Japan, Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President George W. Bush met in the beautiful surrounding of Meseberg Palace to discuss the entire spectrum of current international issues.

Global Food Crisis Must Remain at Top of International Agenda

The global food crisis must remain permanently at the top of the international agenda, said German Development Minister Wieczorek-Zeul, who attended the world food summit in Rome. Poverty and distribution are the core problems of the current crisis.

Merkel and Medvedev in Berlin Pledge to Further Intensify Cooperation

Meeting in Berlin Thursday, Chancellor Merkel and Russian President Medvedev were agreed: Germany and Russia can and want to work more closely together – both as strategic partners and within Russia’s partnership with the European Union and NATO.

Afghanistan Contingent, Including Quick Reaction Force, Gets Formal
Send-Off

With a ceremonial muster, Federal Minister of Defense Jung bid farewell to 1,200 Bundeswehr soldiers on their way to Afghanistan as the 17th German contingent there. Among them are members of the Quick Reaction Force, Regional Command North.
Read More

Chancellor Pays Tribute to Berlin Airlift at International Aerospace Exhibition

Chancellor Merkel greeted veteran American pilots who helped save more than 2 million people in West Berlin during the 1948/49 airlift, which the ILA 2008 is celebrating both as a crucial moment in the transatlantic partnership and a historically unique achievement in aviation and logistics.

Organization of American States at 60 is Major Contributor to Securing Peace

The OAS "is a major contributor to securing peace, democracy and the rule of law on the American continent," Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier said in congratulating the organization on its 60th anniversary. The OAS may continue to count on Germany's support, Steinmeier said.

Mobile Hospital, Drinking Water Units for Earthquake Zone in China

The German Red Cross has set up a mobile hospital, THW relief workers have set up facilities for drinking water, Caritas International has provided tents and a German benefit concert in Chongqing raised 10 million euros in donations for people affected by the earthquake in Sichuan province.

Germany Renounces Use of Cluster Munitions, Welcomes Agreement

Germany will, with immediate effect, unilaterally renounce the use of all types of cluster munitions and will destroy its remaining stocks as fast as it can, Foreign Minister Steinmeier and Defense Minister Jung announced May 29. They welcomed the draft convention to be adopted in Dublin on Friday.
Read More

Chancellor Merkel Visiting Latin America to Further Develop Partnership

Chancellor Angela Merkel embarked Tuesday on a one-week trip to Latin America, where she will visit Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. She sees opportunities for increased cooperation, in particular in the fields of climate, the environment, energy and education.
Read More

Foreign Minister Steinmeier to Meet with New Russian President Medvedev

Steinmeier spent the first day of his four-day visit in Russia in the major industrial city of Yekaterinburg, where cooperation in the modernization of the country was the theme of the day. He will travel on to Moscow to meet with President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin.

Condolences and Offers of Assistance After Earthquake in China

Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao on Monday to express her sympathy in light of the high number of fatalities after the earthquake centered in Sichuan province. She affirmed Germany's offer to provide assistance quickly.

60th Anniversary of the Founding of the State of Israel

Israel is a country that "impresses us even today because of the pioneering spirit and diligence of its founding fathers, who under difficult circumstances created a nation-state and kept it alive in spite of all threats to its existence," Foreign Minister Steinmeier wrote in Yedioth Ahronoth.

Leaders Assure Afghanistan of Continued Support in Wake of Attack

In a phone call with Afghan President Karzai on Sunday, following a deadly attack on an official ceremony he was attending in Kabul, Chancellor Merkel assured him that Germany would remain committed to and continue to stand closely by Afghanistan's side.

Afghan Diplomats Receive Training at Executive Seminar in Germany

Eleven Afghan diplomats, including four women, are currently taking part in an intensive ten-week program, the Executive Seminar, designed to make them skillful advocates of Afghanistan's interests. The seminar is part of the Foreign Office's Training for International Diplomats program.

Foreign Minister Steinmeier Visits MIT, Harvard, Fenway Park in Boston

Foreign Minister Steinmeier continued his USA visit in Boston on Saturday, with stops at MIT, Harvard, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Fenway Park. In DC on Friday, he met with Secretary Rice and visited the Newseum on its official opening day.
Read More

Foreign Minister Steinmeier Criticizes Expansion of Iranian Nuclear Program

The announcement by Ahmadinejad "causes me deep concern," Steinmeier said following the announcement that Iran will install further centrifuges at the uranium enrichment plant in Natanz. "Teheran thus clearly thwarts the demands of the United Nations Security Council."

Pope Benedict XVI in USA — Well Wishes from Ambassador Scharioth

“I wish Pope Benedict XVI a happy and productive journey in America," Ambassador Scharioth said on the eve the pontiff's arrival. "People are looking forward to his visit, and his reception here will no doubt be as warm and sincere as it has been in Germany, his homeland.”
Read More

Steinmeier and Rice — Unity on the Central Issues

The need to stabilize the situation in the Western Balkans was at the forefront of talks on Friday between Foreign Minister Steinmeier and US Secretary of State Rice. Later, Steinmeier visited the Berlin Gallery at the Newseum on the occasion of the museum's official opening.
Read More

Foreign Minister Steinmeier to Visit United States, April 10 to 13

His appointments in Washington will include a meeting with his American counterpart, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He will also visit the Berlin Gallery at the Newseum. In Boston, he will speak at Harvard and go to a baseball game between the Red Sox and the Yankees.
Read More

Germany Supports Construction of 33 More Police Stations in Afghanistan

Currently 33 police stations are being built with German assistance in the north of the country. The aim of the program is to extend policing beyond the urban centers by improving police infrastructure in rural areas as well.

Germany: Second Biggest Development Cooperation Donor

Germany is the world’s second biggest development cooperation donor in absolute figures, after the US. This is shown by the new figures for 2007 which the OECD presented today.

Two New Members – and the Door Remains Open

The 26 NATO heads of state and government took decisions today in the Romanian capital of Bucharest on enlarging the Alliance. Croatia and Albania have been invited to enter into concrete accession talks. But admission of the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia was tabled