Just look at Poland, a sort of European perspective this has. So we have an interest in seeing this relationship be a good one. We have a lot of historical ties of course, a history that we share. But this mustn't keep us from wherever we feel there are very grave differences of opinion to raise them with them.

When it comes to human dignity, we cannot make compromises.

Our relationship with the United States is not reduced to questions of fighting terrorism and the Iraq war. German-American relations were so good for so many years because they extended deeply into the normal lives of people.

I think we can say our energy system will be the most efficient and environmentally friendly in the world.

The [Barack Obama] administration is sharing its knowledge, its expertise with the incoming administration. And this, to us, is a sign of encouragement, to continue the good cooperation that we have built between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany that is in our mutual interest.

We feel bound to the Christian image of humanity - that is what defines us. Those who do not accept this are in the wrong place here.

It is a fact that, if I single out Germany, our rate of growth is too low and we have very high unemployment.