More aid for flood victims in Africa
The Federal Foreign Office has increased its humanitarian aid for flood victims in Africa to 632,000 euro. The additional funds will be used to send a ten-strong Rapid Deployment Unit for Water Supply and Treatment (SEEWA) from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief to Uganda. They will purify drinking water, test water quality and clean the wells for two refugee camps in the Katakwi region in the north-east of the country.
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Day of German Unity in Washington - "Garden of Ideas"
Guests at this year’s celebration of the Day of German Unity at the German Embassy celebrated Germany’s national holiday in the “Garden of Ideas.” Guided by a map through the Ambassador’s Residence and park-like garden, guests discovered why Germany’s eastern states, known as the New Federal States since unification in 1990, are such good locations for investment, particularly in the field of renewable energies.
This week we will present you an example each day of how German embassies celebrated the German National Day and promote Germany.
Read more: Day of German Unity in Washington - "Garden of Ideas"
Preserve the future of the CFE regime
At the initiative of Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the national disarmament commissioners of 33 countries gathered for an informal meeting entitled "The Future of the CFE Regime" on 1 and 2 October in Bad Saarow near Berlin. The CFE Treaty helps limit conventional weapon systems and the German Government believes it to be a central component in the European disarmament architecture, the importance of which stretches far beyond Europe's borders.
Read more: Preserve the future of the CFE regime
Federal Government condemns attack on members of peacekeeping mission in Darfur
Last weekend a base of the AMIS African peacekeeping mission was attacked in the Sudanese crisis province of Darfur. This attack cost the lives of at least 10 soldiers belonging to the African Union (AU) force and injured another eight. At least 20 soldiers have disappeared without a trace. The Federal Government condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms. The Federal Foreign Office spokesperson, Martin Jäger, said that the background to the attack had to be clarified and the perpetrators brought to justice.
Read more: Federal Government condemns attack on members of peacekeeping mission in Darfur
The United Nations at the centre of international policy-making
During his visit to the United Nations Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier held a G8 foreign ministers meeting and talks on current developments in the Middle East. He also signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
Read more: The United Nations at the centre of international policy-making
Condemnation of violence against demonstrators
For days now, demonstrators have been protesting against Myanmar's military government. Internationally there are widespread fears that the situation could further escalate. The G8 Foreign Ministers voiced their deep concerns in New York and condemned the use of all forms of violence against peaceful demonstrators. Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier regretted that the UN Security Council was unable to agree a resolution embracing clear condemnations and sanctions.
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Rethinking Transatlantic Relations
Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has promoted the idea of a new Transatlantic agenda. At the opening speech on "Transatlantic Dialogues" in the House of World Cultures in Berlin, he stressed that the key issues humanity will face in the next 100 years can only be successfully addressed together.
Read more: Rethinking Transatlantic Relations
Federal Minister Steinmeier congratulates the German women's football team
Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has sent a letter of congratulation to German football coach Silvia Neid following the team's victory in the Women's World Cup: "The autumn's fairytale has come true – Germany has won the World Cup! I would like to congratulate the outstanding team, as well as you and your coaching staff, for making this happen."
Read more: Federal Minister Steinmeier congratulates the German women's football team
