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.

I sometimes read that it's time for German democracy to finally grow up. I don't see it as a sign of maturity if we treat military missions as something normal.

Military missions are not democratic development aid.

The fact that someone didn't experience the war itself doesn't mean that he doesn't perceive its consequences.

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.

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.