German FM urges understanding in foreign policy

Understanding is a fundamental condition of foreign policy, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told young Europeans on Friday when discussing the First World War.

"Whoever wants to solve a conflict needs understanding, which is only possible if we are willing to see the world through the eyes of others," Steinmeier told representatives of young Europeans on a "history campus" marking the centenary of the First World War.

"When I look at the history of 1914, the then failure of diplomacy shocked me, as it failed on understanding and rapprochement," said Steinmeier.

"A hundred years after the beginning of the First World War, we have reached a peace settlement in our continent that relies on reconciliation and good neighborhood," he said. "This common European achievement really encourages us, especially with a view to the dramatic situation in Ukraine, where we are faced with the most difficult foreign policy crisis in Europe since the end of World War II."

The history campus brings together 400 young people from 40 European countries. 
[globaltimes.cn]
10/5/14