It was with horror that I learned of the abominable terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington in which so many innocent people have lost their lives. My government staunchly condemns these acts of terrorism. The German people are at the side of the United States of America in this difficult hour. I wish to express my deep-felt condolences and complete solidarity to you and the American people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

We want to change the way we help unemployed people find jobs. We want to be faster and more goal oriented.

The euro will raise the citizens' awareness of their belonging to one Europe more than any other integration step to date.

My impression is that American policy speaks not of antagonism but rather partnership.

We must take care that globalization does not become something people become afraid of.

A market that's as open as possible is the precondition for a successful economy, and a successful economy is the precondition to being able to pay for social security.

Naturally we are aware of the strength of our economy and naturally we don't want to downplay it.