“Our active commitment to a strong Europe, human rights & international cooperation are informed by the knowledge of the crimes perpetrated by Germany during the 20th century, crimes that found their most monstrous expression in the Holocaust” -@HeikoMaas on the occasion of 8 May
“8 May demonstrates quite clearly that history shapes who we are, both as people and nations”, @HeikoMaas goes on to say. Making remembrance of 8 May a part of European memory in a way that unites us remains an aspiration and a task for German politics.
Welcome to Berlin, @DavidLammy. The United Kingdom is our close friend and partner. Together we stand up for #democracy and #freedom in the world. @ABaerbock during the inaugural visit of her new 🇬🇧 counterpart in Berlin. 1/5
We want to become more resilient in #Europe and strengthen the European pillar of #NATO. With NATO summit approaching, it is also about how we can support #Ukraine even more effectively together with our allies. 2/5
The situation in the #MiddleEast continues to cause immense concern. The #Biden plan is a clear path towards ending the war. For the two-state solution, we need a reformed #PA as partner. Any expansion of settlement projects is illegal and we strictly oppose it. 3/5
Essential part of the political horizon in #MiddleEast is a #TwoStateSolution. It means Palestinians can live in dignity, security, and self-determination in a Palestinian state - side by side with Israel - @ABaerbock in Ramallah 1/4
The groundwork for this must be laid now, with everyone fulfilling their responsibilities. A reformed, democratic PA and government are the backbone of such a #future. It's good to hear that the path of restructuring PA is being taken. - @ABaerbock 2/4
This requires reforms, especially more efficient institutions, fighting corruption, activating the economy, and a dialogue with all sectors of society. The PA needs all the tools to be able to take this path, including clear financial support. - @ABaerbock 3/4
It is important sometimes to take a step back and look at what is really happening in #Ukraine. A thread: 1/5
Since April 2022, #Ukraine has liberated over half of the territories occupied by Russia and freed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians from brutal Russian occupation. 2/5
Just recently, #Ukraine has effectively repelled the Russian navy across the Black Sea, opening up a shipping lane that has allowed over 200 ships to export grain and other goods to world markets. 3/5
Migrants drowning in the #Mediterranean must never become part of daily routine. Many people are rescued by the Italian coast guard, also volunteer rescuers save lives. Their work has our full support. @ABaerbock in Berlin with @Antonio_Tajani 1/4
The situation in Europe once again shows how urgently we need a common 🇪🇺 asylum system that fixes real solidarity in Europe. But without humanity in dealing with migration, there will not be order either. @ABaerbock 2/4
It is in our very own interest to advance the EU integration of the #WesternBalkans. EU #enlargement and EU #reforms must go hand in hand. Italy and Germany as founding states have a special responsibility for the 🇪🇺. @ABaerbock 3/4
Russia's war against #Ukraine is also a brutal attack on international law. #Zeitenwende means: We must also find new answers in international law so that it can carry its full strength. @ABaerbock at the @HagueAcademy for International Law. 1/6
Accountability matters. No country should be able to wage a war of aggression in the 21st century and get away with it. Because this crime of #aggression is a crime against the most precious thing we have, our #peace. @ABaerbock 2/6
Where there is no #justice for the victims, there will not be no lasting peace. This is about justice for the people in Butcha, Kharkiv or Mariupol who have fallen victim to rape, abduction, torture and murder. @ABaerbock 3/6
The courageous protests in #Iran continue. Day by day the regime acts more brutally. Our bilateral relations were already at a low, but with a state acting so inhumanely, there can be no "business as usual". Therefore, we adapt our relationship to the situation. 🧵 1/5
#Sanctions: We are preparing further EU human rights sanctions & we are looking into listing family members of those responsible. Nationally, we will restrict visas for official passport holders and tighten entry regulations for members of EU-listed organizations. 2/5
#Accountability: The brutal repression must have consequences for those responsible. Thus, evidence needs to be gathered. Among other things, we press for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council and will support NGOs engaged in documenting crimes. 3/5