Round Table Talk
at the German Consulate

German Consul General Holger Raasch invited members of the media to an informal discussion with Karsten D. Voigt, who is currently the coordinator of the German-North American Cooperation at the German Federal Foreign Office. He came to Canada for talks with Government officials, Parliament members, think-tanks and university representatives.

His lifelong involvement in government has given him a knowledgeable and unique position to view politics from and he proved to be an animated speaker, who gave precise answers to even complex questions that involved current affairs on the international scene involving Germany. He shed a bright light on a Germany that is not familiar to those who have left many years ago. The sands of focus have shifted for Germany, largely due to the fact that Germany for the first time in a very long time is no longer surrounded by hostile countries, but by friends or those countries that want to be friends, in other words a pretty much united Europe.

The press conference

Where the first look used to be to the USA and what they wanted the focus is now more on what the EU considers important. Surely, one wants to keep the US as an ally, but it is no longer of paramount importance to simply bow down to power. The EU is operating on a balance of power. Thus it is easier to say no to operations in a theatre like Afghanistan, where German troops are only deployed where true humanitarian assistance can be delivered and troops are not in danger of encountering war activities. Thus it is also easier to say no to other American interests. Iran is one of those areas where the US might want to ask for assistance. However the only way for anyone in this particular situation is the political way of negotiation. There are no other options that are possible for the US or anyone else, including sanctions.

Asked who Germany would like to see as President he feels that Germans would like a president they can love. He referred to JFK and his famous speech the Brandenburg Gate: "Ich bin ein Berliner", and Obama appears to fit that image more than Clinton. But one will work with whoever ends up holding the hat, of course.

Much was discussed that morning over coffee and much was gleaned that was – if not unexpected ,but a good fresh look at the current scene. Germany is definitely a major player that some countries out there would love to see taking a more active military role now, which Germany refuses…of course!

What a different story…

Photos: Simon Dames,
Press and Cultural Affairs, German Consulate Toronto