It would be folly to continue betting on a military solution, now is the time to find a way to bring the parties to the negotiating table. This must include preparatory talks with and among crucial regional actors like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, but also Iran.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Categorized in : World

We've agreed ... to tackle the pullback of heavy weaponry now. by German Foreign Minister Frank-...

We've agreed ... to tackle the pullback of heavy weaponry now.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

After intensive negotiations and painful compromises, we all agreed to an extensive reform package, my advice is that it (the package) is implemented with determination and on the other hand, Europe should not lessen the help that Greece still needs.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

European partners and especially Germany will continue standing by Greece and respect what it has been agreed, (But) I believe we would have better not raising new demands at every turning point, at every difficulty.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

It's clear that Greece - which is trying to get back on its feet right now - is feeling this influx as a particular burden, we will really support Greece in dealing with these big challenges.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

If Russia is really serious about claiming to contribute to the stabilization of Syria, then that can't succeed if thousands more people are forced to flee by military offensives.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

We all reaffirmed that the ceasefire which has been kept for two weeks now needs to be further consolidated and secured.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

This challenge cannot be borne by one country. We have to invoke... by German Foreign Minister Frank-...

This challenge cannot be borne by one country. We have to invoke European solidarity.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

The help in (Friday's) emergency situation was tied to an urgent reminder not to make that the practice for the coming days.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

I hope that this courage exists above all ... in Tehran. by German Foreign Minister Frank-...

I hope that this courage exists above all ... in Tehran.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

But we're not at the endpoint. The basic points need to be translated into a comprehensive negotiating text and that's not easy as negotiating in detail has created a few hindrances, we must hope that the Iranians move on decisive points and that we come to a close.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

At a time in which we are trying to defuse a persistent and dangerous conflict, this does not contribute towards that.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Tonight there will be new proposals, new recommendations. I can't predict whether that will sufficient to enable an agreement to be reached.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

As one sees the cross on the summit, the final meters are the most difficult but also the decisive ones. That's what has to be done here in the coming hours and days.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

The grief of the families and loved ones is immeasurable, we must stand with them. We are all united in great grief.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

The road on which we have been and we are on, is probably the first step for calming down the situation, but we all know that we are still very far from a solution, and I need to underline again the financial engagement which we will have to Ukraine, given its grave economic situation.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Der Spiegel's true that I asked in two instances, in which the information we had from our sources was not entirely consistent with the information that came from the United States or NATO, but I also say that we have no interest in any dispute emerging from this.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

The ball is in the Greek government’s court, if Athens wants to see changes in individual points, then that is okay. But if these changes lead to further spending, then they need to save elsewhere or look to gather more revenue.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Europe has a chance to pause for breath – that’s all – this is no... by German Foreign Minister Frank-...

Europe has a chance to pause for breath – that’s all – this is not a solution.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

If we miss this opportunity, the chance to defuse the serious conflict in eastern Ukraine by way of negotiations will be gone for a long time.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

We have not achieved everything, but at least there is a ceasefire. This also includes agreements on securing the eastern borders of Ukraine, elections and the exchange of prisoners, it is a chance to move away from escalation and towards political momentum.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier