If it's going to come out eventually, better have it come out immediately.

One has to remember that every progress that has been made towards peace in the Middle East has come under American leadership.

In the hands of a determined Secretary, the Foreign Service can be a splendid instrument, staffed by knowledgeable, discreet, and energetic individuals. They do require constant vigilance lest the convictions that led them into a penurious career tempt them to preempt decision-making.

I do not stand on protocol. If you just call me Excellency, it will be okay.

The key decision for a statesman is whether to commit his nation or not. There is no middle course. Once a great nation commits itself, it must prevail. It will acquire no kudos for translating its inner doubts into hesitation.

I grew up as a discriminated minority in a dictatorship, so obviously the issue of human rights is a matter of concern for me.

In the period after the Second World War, there were still leaders in Europe who represented weak countries, but possessed a sense of global foreign policy. Nowadays, on the other hand, there are politicians who represent pretty powerful countries, but whose citizens are not prepared to sacrifice themselves for the state.