No change in the balance of political parties can alter the general determination that no class should be excluded from contributing to and sharing responsibility for the state.

The economic position is only flourishing on the surface. Germany is in fact dancing on a volcano. If the short-term credits are called in, a large section of our economy would collapse.

To walk behind others on a road you are traveling together, to give precedence to others without envy - this is painful for an individual and painful for a nation.

Historians still often see the end of the war as meaning nothing more for Germany than lost territories, lost participation in colonization, and lost assets for the state and individuals. They frequently overlook the most serious loss that Germany suffered.

Voices were heard from the United States of America which made it clear that America wanted a peaceful and united Europe as a basis for mutual cooperation.

During the past few years I have led a sometimes hard battle for German foreign policy.

For the victor peace means the preservation of the position of power which he has secured. For the vanquished it means resigning himself to the position left to him.