Photostream : German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) listens to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi upon his arrival at the Chancellery in Berlin January 12, 2011. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at the Chancellery (Bundeskanzleramt) on January 12, 2011 in Berlin, Germany. Berlusconi is in Berlin to participate in German-Italian governmental consultations, and a major topic of discussion will be measures for stabilizing the Euro. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi shake hands as they pose for the media after they address a news conference following their bilateral talks at the Chancellery in Berlin January 12, 2011. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi address a news conference following their bilateral talks at the Chancellery in Berlin January 12, 2011. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle arrive for a group photo of the Italian and German government delegations at the Chancellery (Bundeskanzleramt) on January 12, 2011 in Berlin, Germany. Berlusconi is in Berlin to participate in German-Italian governmental consultations, and a major topic of discussion will be measures for stabilizing the Euro. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel takes Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi by the arm in order to allow space for wheelchair-bound German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble prior to a group photo of the two countries' delegations at the Chancellery (Bundeskanzleramt) on January 12, 2011 in Berlin, Germany. Berlusconi is in Berlin to participate in German-Italian governmental consultations, and a major topic of discussion will be measures for stabilizing the Euro. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemns 'barbaric' Egypt church attack

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January 03, 2011 (KATAKAMI / EXPATICA) --- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday condemned as "barbaric" the bombing of a church in Egypt that killed 21 people on New Year's Day.

"I received the news of the awful attack on a church in Alexandria with disgust and anger," Merkel said in a letter of condolence to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, according to a government statement.

"The (German) government deplores in the strongest terms this barbaric act of terror in which Christians, but also Muslims, lost their lives."

She added: "I thank you for the measures already introduced to protect Coptic Christians in Egypt and am convinced that you will do everything in your power to prevent further incidents like this in the future."

Twenty-one people were killed early on Saturday and 79 wounded when an apparent suicide bomber blew himself up as hundreds of worshippers were leaving the Al-Qiddissin (The Saints) church in Alexandria.

The bombing has further underscored the vulnerability of the Copts, who make up about 10 percent of the country's 80-million population and complain of discrimination.  (*)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel uses New Year's speech to stress importance of euro

German Chancellor Angela Merkel poses moments after delivering her New Year's television address to the nation at the Chancellery (Bundeskanzleramt) on December 30, 2010 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Henning Schacht-Pool/Getty Images)

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December 31, 2010 (KATAKAMI / DEUTSCHE WELLE) --- The chancellor highlighted the importance of the euro in her New Year's speech, saying the single currency was at the center of Germany's prosperity. She also said Germany had emerged stronger from the economic crisis.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened her annual New Year's Eve address to the nation by looking back to her speech from one year ago, when Germany faced an uncertain year ahead.

"Let me be completely open," she said as she started her address. "A year ago, when I sat before you and delivered this speech, I looked to the future confidently but with mixed feelings, because our country was in the middle of a financial and economic crisis."

As 2010 comes to a close, however, Merkel struck a much more confident tone, patting Germans on the back for helping pull the country out of the economic doldrums.

"Germany mastered the crisis like almost no other country," she said. "We even emerged from the crisis strengthened."

"Never have more people had work in reunified Germany than today. The number of unemployed is the lowest in almost 20 years," the chancellor said.

"We have come out of the crisis stronger. And that is, above all, thanks to you, my fellow citizens."

Euro 'intertwined' with Germany

While Germany leads the way economically among European nations, other countries are still struggling, which has led to widespread unemployment and fears about the eurozone's shared currency.

The euro is important for Germany and Europe, Merkel said
However, Merkel defended the euro in her speech, saying it was intertwined with Germany's "well-being."

"Europe is currently facing a big test. We have to strengthen the euro. It is not just about our money. The euro is much more than a currency," Merkel said.

"Fortunately, we Europeans are unified. A united Europe is the guarantor for our peace and freedom. The euro forms the foundation of our prosperity," she said.

"Germany needs Europe and our common currency, for our own well-being and also in order to overcome big challenges worldwide."

Job well done

Merkel drew a comparison between the hard work displayed by Germans to pull themselves out of the economic crisis to the country's national soccer team, which took third place at the World Cup in South Africa.

Germans rallied around the national team during the World Cup
"Our national soccer team wonderfully demonstrated precisely those virtues that make us strong: diligence and discipline, imagination and technical quality of the highest standard."

The chancellor looked ahead to the summer of 2011, when Germany is to play host to the 2011 women's World Cup. The host nation is seen as a strong title contender, which Merkel referenced in her speech.

"When the women's World Cup takes place in Germany next year, our team will be hoping to win its third title," she said. "With our support, they can certainly do it, and I'm looking forward to the opening game in Berlin."

Soldiers not forgotten

Germany's armed forces received a lot of attention in 2010, both for the debate about ending Germany's long-standing policy of conscription and the Bundeswehr's role as part of NATO's engagement in Afghanistan.

The chancellor paid her respects to the nine German soldiers who died this year in Afghanistan.

"Even though no words from me can ease the pain felt by the families and friends of those who have fallen, I want to say from the bottom of my heart: that they will not be forgotten," Merkel said.

Merkel wrapped up her speech by looking forward to the year ahead, calling on Germans to live in solidarity - "from person to person." Germany should not strive to "have more" but to "live better," Merkel said, which serves to foster togetherness and well-being in the country.

Quoting philosopher Karl Popper, Merkel said: "The future is wide open. It is dependent on us - all of us." To that Merkel added, "In this sense, let us look ahead to the next year with ideas, curiosity, and passion for the solutions to new challenges." (*)

Photostream : German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg visits Afghanistan

In this photo provided by the German Government Press Office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel checks her mobile phone at the Transall prior she leaves after her visit on December 18, 2010 in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. Merkel, who is on her third trip to Afghanistan, paid her respects to German soldiers currently deployed and the 45 troops who have lost their lives during the conflict. She is being accompanied by Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Bundeswehr chief of staff Volker Wieker. (Photo by Steffen Kugler/Bundesregierung-Pool via Getty Images)

Picture provided by the press department of German Government shows German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right as she talks to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, left, as German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, second right, and US general David Petraeus, second left, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, look on during their meeting in Mazar-i-Sharif, northern Afghanistan Satuday Dec. 18, 2010. (AP Photo/Steffen Kugler,German Government)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) talks to German Bundeswehr soldiers during a visit to a camp in Kunduz province December 18, 2010. Merkel is visiting the German Bundeswehr armed forces troops with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. A lens flare causes the effect seen in the lower right corner of the photo. REUTERS/Bundesregierung/Steffen Kugler/Handout

In this photo provided by the German Government Press Office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg attend a memorial service for a German soldier, who died yesterday, at Camp Marmal in Basar-e-Sharif during her visit of an ISAF soldier camp on December 18, 2010 in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. Merkel, who is on her third trip to Afghanistan, paid her respects to German soldiers currently deployed and the 45 troops who have lost their lives during the conflict. She is being accompanied by Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Bundeswehr chief of staff Volker Wieker. (Photo by Steffen Kugler/Bundesregierung-Pool via Getty Images)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L), Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and German Bundeswehr armed forces soldiers observe a moment of silence for fallen comrades during Merkel's visit in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, December 18, 2010. Merkel is visiting the German Bundeswehr armed forces troops with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

Hamas slams German foreign minister's refusal to meet

Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle (4th R) stands in front of students during a visit to a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) school in Gaza City November 8, 2010. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem

Militant group furious at snub from Guido Westerwelle during Gaza visit.


November 08, 2010 (KATAKAMI / HAARETZ) --- The Hamas administration in the Gaza on Monday slammed as "insulting" the refusal by German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle to meet it while visiting the strip. 

Senior Hamas leader and legislator Kamal Shrafi said that while the Islamist Palestinian movement welcomed a visit by an official of his standing, it was "completely wrong to come to Gaza and not meet with the legal government's representative." 

Westerwelle is the first German government official to visit the Gaza Strip in nearly four years. On Monday, he visited a girls' school and toured a water treatment plant. 

He said he would not meet Hamas over its repeated refusal to renounce violence, honour previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements and accept Israel's right to resist. Hamas, which has administered the Gaza Strip since June 2007, is subject to a Western diplomatic boycott. 

"We really condemn the refusal of officials and diplomats to hold talks with the Palestinian government, which was legally elected with transparency by the Palestinian people. Every official arriving in Gaza did not meet with anybody here, and this is really insulting," Shrafi said. 

Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, but a unity government set up with President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party was dismissed after Hamas militants routed security officials loyal to Abbas and the Palestinian Authority and seized full control of the enclave. 

Abbas also dismissed Hamas leader Ismail Haniya from his post of prime minister, a dismissal Hamas did not accept. 

"We are legal government, and I believe that it is completely wrong to come to Gaza and not meet with the legal government's representatives," Shrafi said. 

Westerwelle also met with Gaza businessmen Monday to discuss economic problems in the enclave, which has been under an Israeli blockade since the summer of 2006. 

At a press conference along with his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman in Jerusalem following his arrival on Sunday, Westerwelle called on Israel to allow exports to leave Gaza, saying such a move was "necessary." 

Israel imposed its blockade after militants from the enclave, led by Hamas, launched a raid in which they snatched an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who is still being held. 

The blockade was significantly tightened after the Hamas seizure of the Strip, but was eased in the summer of this year, although Israel still does not permit exports to leave.

(*)

Germany's Foreign Minister called on Hamas to free captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, during a visit to the Gaza Strip

Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle (L) stands next to Noam Shalit, father of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, at the start of their meeting in Jerusalem November 7, 2010. Shalit was captured by Palestinian militants who tunnelled from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel in June 2006. (Getty Images / REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun )

November 08, 2010 (KATAKAMI / Jpost) --- Westerwelle says his country sees speedy return of soldier to his family as humane step; comments come a day after meetings with Noam Schalit, Lieberman, Shimon Peres in J'lem.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Monday called on Hamas to free captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, during a visit to the Gaza Strip.

He urged the terror group to "finally free this young man, after so many years in captivity."

He urged the terror group to "finally free this young man, after so many years in captivity." 

Westerwelle stressed that Germany views the speedy return of Schalit to his family as the humane step.

His comments came a day after a meeting with the soldier's father, Noam Schalit, as well as President Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, and Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat in Jerusalem.

During a press conference after their Sunday meeting, Lieberman said that the biggest threat to the Middle East is Iran.

"Not only Iran with its nuclear problem, but Iran through its proxies in its terrorist activity in all our regions. We see Iranian activities through proxies in Lebanon through Hizbullah, in the Palestinian Authority through Hamas, their deep involvement in Iraq, in Yemen, in Somalia and, of course, this threat may be the biggest threat that we are facing as a Western society, as a free society in the modern world," Lieberman told his German counterpart.

He also said that while Israel has a "political dispute" with the Palestinians, it also has "very good cooperation with the Palestinians on the security level and on economy."

Westerwelle referred to Schalit, saying that Germany has an "abolultely clear position" that the soldier be "released very soon."

"We think that our Israeli friends know that they can count on us. And I do not want to comment any further because it is very important that we help the family, that we help this poor young man and that we see him as soon as possible, safe and healthy, back in the arms of his family," the German foreign minister said.  (*)

Medvedev urges to develop various trends of Russia-Germany coop

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (2nd R), his wife Svetlana (L) meet with German President Christian Wulff (2nd L) and his wife Bettina (R) at the Kremlin, in Moscow, on October 12, 2010. Wulff is on his state visit to Russia. (Getty Images)

MOSCOW, October 12 (KATAKAMI / Itar-Tass) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hopes that the negotiations with his German counterpart Christian Wulff will be fruitful and interesting. Medvedev stated about it Tuesday opening a narrow-format meeting with his German counterpart. Before the negotiations both leaders with their spouses were participating in an official welcome ceremony of the German high guest, who is on a state visit in Russia.

“I hope for interesting and fruitful negotiations,” Medvedev stated.

“The scale of your visit notes broad and diversified relations between Germany and Russia,” Medvedev said. “Our relations are strategic, partnership and highly developed,” he pointed out. “Germany is our major partner in the European Union,” the Russian president remarked. “We have highly developed economic ties and we also have special relations between political structures, regions, parties, civil society institutions; all this is making the essence of relations,” the president underlined.

“We should develop various trends of cooperation,” Medvedev urged, noting humanitarian contacts in this respect.

The German president agreed with his Russian counterpart that his visit will contribute to the development of bilateral relations. “I hope that we will have an opportunity to discuss all issues we are interested in,” Wulff said.

“Germany and Russia have a long common changeable history and we take your friendship as a great gift to the German people,” he said. “Our mutual sympathy and interests confirm how close our peoples are,” the German president added.

“We are following with a keen interest the situation in your country and consider ourselves as natural partners in promoting the modernization in Russia,” Wulff said. “We are seeking to intensify relations with your country, which is passing the stage of reforms, and to expand relations not only in economy, but also in education, legal protection, public institutions and culture,” he added.

Photostream : Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev meets Germany’s President Christian Wulff

From left: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, German President Christian Wulff, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Wulff's wife Bettina prepare for a photo in the Moscow Kremlin, on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010. Wulff is on a state visit to Russia.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (2ndR), his wife Svetlana (L) meet with German President Christian Wulff (2ndL) and his wife Bettina (R) at the Kremlin in Moscow on October 12, 2010. Wulff is on a state visit to Russia. (Getty Images)

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (L) presents flowers to German President Christian Wulff's wife, Bettina at the Kremlin in Moscow on October 12, 2010. German President Christian Wulff and his wife Bettina are on a state visit to Russia. AFP PHOTO / POOL / ALEXANDER NEMENOV (Photo : ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (L) shows the way to German President Christian Wulff (R) as he arrives at the Kremlin in Moscow on October 12, 2010 during his state visit. (Photo : ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (R) talks to Germany's President Christian Wulff during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow October 12, 2010. (Getty Images)