As foreign minister I cannot allow myself to be guided by emotions.

As foreign minister I cannot allow myself to be guided by emotions.

Military missions cannot be a normal tool of politics, but instead must remain the great exception.

I'm completely opposed to the idea of becoming accustomed to foreign military campaigns.

As a minister, I would rather be criticized for thoroughly weighing the options, and sometimes even voicing my doubts, than to be reproached for recklessly sending German soldiers into combat.

Military missions are not democratic development aid.

I was never a member of the peace movement or a pacifist, nor was I ever carried away from a demonstration outside a military barracks. Perhaps that's why I don't feel the need to compensate for anything.