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.

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

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

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.

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