Speech by Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the debate in the German Bundestag, "60 Years of Israel"
Mr. President, I greatly respected ladies and gentlemen,
did 60 years ago, the citizens of the newly founded state of Israel its first passports in hand. These passports had a special feature. They carried the note: This passport is valid in all countries except Germany. - That was 60 years ago. Two and a half months we were nine members of the federal cabinet with our Israeli counterparts at the joint memorial at Yad Vashem. I have known: That was one of the most moving Moments in my political life.
lie between this restriction notice that I have spoken, and the German-Israeli government consultations, two and a half months 60 years and 60 years of work by representatives of Israeli and German politics, but also 60 years of work by citizens. Academics and trade unionists were the ones who have established the first contacts in civil society level between Germany and Israel.
Today, 43 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, our relations with Israel as varied and rich in content as with almost any other country in the world. Israel, Germany is now one of his closest allies and friends, a development that we must certainly meet with gratitude.
However - many have pointed out - we have to accept most, if Amos Oz writes:
No normalization. Normal relations between Germany and Israel are not possible and appropriate. have brought
The Shoah, the murder of millions, the immense suffering, the German on German and other Europeans of Jewish faith, is part of our history. The daily reminder and the daily confrontation with the Holocaust, racism, and even with anti-Semitism with us is therefore part of our present and will and must remain part of our future. Therefore be up our relations with Israel forever be a special relationship.
What does this mean but today, 60 years after the founding of Israel? For me, this leads to three key tasks for German foreign policy: The first task - have all said - is the commitment to the existence and the security of the State of Israel. That must be a constant of German foreign policy. This in fact is also the talk of the Iranian President to counter again. His denial of the Holocaust is as unbearable as the questioning Israel's existence. For this purpose, there must be clear messages.
Ladies and gentlemen, to support for Israel is in my opinion, but something else. I quote again Amos Oz:
What Israel needs most of all, is an emotional
is insurance. Because we feel like outlaws cursed and hated
. Such support would cost a penny, only
empathy. This one does not agree with Israeli policy
. But a European sympathy for the plight of Israel today
the moderates and doves could help.
thought in these words of Amos Oz, I personally sometimes something inexpensive way in which we from our European wing chair with clever commentary on the Middle East peace process and garnish judge our frustration at lack of progress with smart advice for Israel.
You do not in fact agree with any suggestion of Israeli policy, and where there is dissent, speak openly about it. But my experience also indicate that a critical word is the easier, or perhaps accepted only if it is from a friend who is really understanding and empathy for the predicament - many have rightly spoken of a threat - the other has and shows.
The second contract for German foreign policy, I see that our bilateral relations even closer design and develop future-oriented. In the Government consultation two and a half months we have opened a new chapter. New fields of cooperation have been agreed and will be processed. Above all, the German-Israeli Future Forum will get underway this year. It is a young generation offer prospects for cooperation in economy, culture and science.
The third important issue, which arises from the special nature of relations between Germany and Israel, is our commitment to peace in the Middle East. The responsibility for the past - I have this morning also been heard in many speeches - is in fact a driving force for this commitment Germany in the Middle East and must remain so.
We know that implementation of the two-state solution, all partners will require difficult compromises. We also know - at least we should know - that we required for this determination and vision of Europe can not replace.
But we can help with work on the environment. This we have through reviving the Middle East Quartet, by advertising that the Arab states are included, and this done, that we have in the past year brought an EU Action Strategy for the Middle East on the way to improve I mentioned conditions.
This classic diplomacy one of them, but in my view, the situation in the Middle East, all in just yet everything. Who is speaking in Ramallah, Jericho, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the people will find two things: both the desire for peace and the disillusionment with the failed attempts at a solution in decades, are now everywhere.
This means, in my view that we need to feel even more strongly held to work on concrete measures and to feel the people in the region that the path to peace is worthwhile. We do this through many measures that I will not list them all.
These include the large international Conference on Security in Palestine, on 24 June will be held here in Berlin. At this conference we want to create the conditions so that the international community to provide its contribution, that Palestine can accept responsibility for its own security.
Why do I say that? I say this because we are guided in all of this with the knowledge that more security in Palestine ultimately means more security for Israel.
Mr. Minister, I am pleased that the Israeli government is such that the reaction of the Israeli side to the convening of this conference was positive.
On Saturday I will become one of my eighth trip to the Middle East to leave, to Beirut, Jerusalem and Ramallah. The - I want to say - Middle Eastern sky has brightened slightly. I am pleased that the crisis in Lebanon by the Arab League mediation failed to resolve.
The election of new Lebanese president may now create the conditions that preceded the rebuilding of functioning state institutions in Lebanon. I am also pleased that held indirect talks between Israel and Syria.
The Turkish foreign minister to us, when he will be in Berlin tomorrow, learn about the progress of these talks. This follows the conviction that it is comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East be more difficult without the involvement of partners, particularly without the involvement of Syria, probably not. I understand the signals from the region are such that one has to operate with both sides trust.
We want Israel and its people for the 60th Anniversary of the founding of one thing: peace, a peace that the people deserve, a peace that requires our review. From the responsibility for the past obligation arises for the future.
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