Open letter by Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Lebanese people

Germany stands at Lebanon's side

by Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Beirut is one of the capitals I have visited most frequently over the past few months. As impressive as it always is to visit this proud city, it is depressing that my visit tomorrow again comes so soon after a bloody event – the terrible murder of Pierre Gemayel. I only met him twice, but I remember him as an impressive young politician. His violent death fills us with dismay and sadness.

I am coming to Beirut to express to the Lebanese people and to Prime Minister Siniora my country's support at this time, so difficult for all of you. Lebanon and Germany enjoy a long-standing and extremely friendly relationship. The ties between our countries have become even closer since the German navy assumed command of the naval force of the UNIFIL mission on 15 October. For the first time, over 1000 German soldiers are directly committed to ensuring stability and security on Lebanon's maritime border. For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, German troops are deployed in the Middle East.

For Germany this decision was anything but easy, and there were some who, given our history, were on principle opposed to the deployment of German soldiers in Lebanon. The supreme priority for my Government, however, was to put an end to the killing. It was clear to us that without UNIFIL and without Resolution 1701 the war would have continued, and that could not be allowed. Far too much blood has already been shed in Lebanon. That is why we complied with the Lebanese Government's request that we assist it in patrolling the maritime border until it can fulfil this important task alone. Today German and Lebanese naval troops are doing this job side by side, and we are proud that this cooperation is functioning so smoothly and in such a spirit of trust.

The German people have followed the devastating effects of the recent hostilities on your country, which was just recovering from the long years of civil war, with great sympathy. Many Lebanese returned from exile in 1990 to join those who had remained in the country throughout the war years in building Lebanon up again – and with remarkable success. Their efforts must not be in vain. We must not permit a situation in which mothers and fathers once again have to ask themselves whether their children have a future in Lebanon. That is why my Government decided to make available a total of EUR 80 million for aid measures in Lebanon. In the south of the country, German experts are helping to repair the water supply and are rebuilding vocational training schools; German police and customs officers are advising their colleagues in the Lebanese authorities on how to establish efficient border controls. The courage and resolve with which the Lebanese population is facing up to the challenge of reconstruction deserve the respect of each and every one of us. My country is aware from its own history just how difficult a task this is. We have stood and will continue to stand at Lebanon's side.

The Government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has accomplished a great deal: it has established agreement on the withdrawal of Syrian troops, preserved the country's unity throughout all the tribulations of the past few months, and begun work on reconstruction. For this it has earned the profound respect of my country and of the entire world. With regard to the murder of Rafiq Hariri and so many others, the country is now facing the huge challenge of seeing that justice is done. I know how extremely difficult this task will be. From my own country's experience, however, I also know how important it is to successfully investigate such crimes if a society wants to create the foundations for a secure future. Truth is the precondition for reconciliation, and without reconciliation there can be no inner peace. I therefore hope and echo the wish that all parties in Lebanon and the region will be conscious of their responsibility in this regard.

Germany wants a free, sovereign Lebanon with a democratic constitution, a Lebanon in which its multi-faith society has a future. A tremendous task for a country whose sovereignty has so often been at risk. But the people in Lebanon have always distinguished themselves through their diversity, their talent and not least their entrepreneurial spirit. The diversity of your media, the excellence of your scientists, your literary figures and musicians – hardly any other country in this region has produced so much creativity. That is the great potential of this country which must be preserved.

It took the destruction of two World Wars before we Europeans understood that we can only build a viable foundation for peace, security and prosperity in Europe if we all act together. Today, 60 years after the end of the Second World War, the Germans and the French are probably the most closely allied nations in Europe. Something which our grandfathers in their youth believed inconceivable for all time – but today youngsters in France and Germany cannot conceive of any other reality.

It is my wish that this will one day be possible here in the Middle East too. For 60 years you and your neighbours have lived with war, terror and violence. That's 60 years too many. I am firmly convinced that there will be peace between Lebanese, Syrians, Israelis and Palestinians. Europe is ready to engage towards this end, even though we do not have at our fingertips any magic formula for the immediate resolution of all conflicts. In four weeks' time Germany will assume the Presidency of the European Union. We are very well aware that after all these years of violence, trust will grow only slowly. To start this process, however, courageous politicians on all sides will have to take a first step. Together we bear this responsibility.


The author is Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany