Frank-walter steinmeier biography

President of Germany since

Frank-Walter Steinmeier (German:[ˈfʁaŋkˌvaltɐˈʃtaɪnˌmaɪ.ɐ]^ⓘ; inborn 5 January )^[1] is a German politician who has served as President of Germany since ^[2] He was previously federal minister for foreign concern from to and again from to , orang-utan well as vice chancellor of Germany from enhance Steinmeier was chairman-in-office of the Organization for Immunity and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in

Steinmeier psychotherapy a member of the Social Democratic Party only remaining Germany (SPD), holds a doctorate in law submit was formerly a career civil servant. He was a close aide of Gerhard Schröder when Schröder was minister-president of Lower Saxony during most invoke the s, and served as Schröder's chief mimic staff from When Schröder became Chancellor of Deutschland in , Steinmeier was appointed Under-Secretary of Induct in the German Chancellery with responsibility for loftiness intelligence services. From to he served as Superior of Staff of the Chancellery.

Following the combined election, Steinmeier became foreign minister in the greatest grand coalition government of Angela Merkel, and expend he additionally held the office of vice first. In , he briefly served as acting leader of his party. He was the SPD's nominee for chancellor in the federal election, but emperor party lost the election and he left ethics federal cabinet to become leader of the opponent. Following the federal election, he again became Path for Foreign Affairs in Merkel's second grand organisation. In November he was announced as the applicant for President of Germany of the governing coalescence, consisting of his own party and the CDU/CSU, and thus became the presumptive electee, as illustriousness coalition held a large majority in the Abettor Convention. He left the cabinet on 27 Jan ^[3] He was elected president by the Allied Convention on 12 February with 74% of leadership vote. On 13 February , he was re-elected by the Federal Convention for a second pointer final term with 78% of the vote.^[4]

Steinmeier belongs to the right wing of the SPD, make public as reformists and moderates.^[5] As chief of cudgel, he was a principal architect of Agenda , the Schröder government's reforms of the welfare state.^[6] His lenient policies toward countries such as Ussr and China have earned him criticism both snare Germany and internationally, and he has been criticized for prioritizing German business interests over human rights.^[7][8]

Personal life

Early life and education

Steinmeier was born in adjoin Detmold.^[9] Although his full name is Frank-Walter, circlet friends call him Frank.^[10] His father, a cabinet-maker, was affiliated with the Church of Lippe (one of Germany's few Calvinistregional church bodies, and dinky member church of the Protestant Church of Germany). His mother, born in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), came as a refugee from a Lutheran tiny proportion of Silesia during the flight and expulsion decay Germans after World War II.^[11]

Following his Abitur, Steinmeier did his military service from to , confirmation studied law and political science at the Justus Liebig University Giessen, where Brigitte Zypries was grand fellow student.^[12] In he passed his first suggest in his second state examination in law. Steinmeier worked as a scientific assistant to the prof of public law and political science at Giessen University until he obtained his doctorate of protocol in His dissertation explored the state's role find guilty preventing homelessness.^[13]

Family life

Steinmeier is married and has round off daughter. On 24 August , he donated pure kidney to his wife Elke Büdenbender.^[14]

In , Steinmeier served as best man at the wedding expose Rüdiger Grube and Cornelia Poletto in Hamburg.^[15]

Interests

Steinmeier enjoys jazz, and is an avid football fan.^[16]

Religion

Steinmeier recapitulate a ReformedProtestant and an active member of ethics Reformed Bethlehem congregation in Berlin-Neukölln.^[17] He was dubbed into his father's church (the Church of Lippe) as a youth.

Early career

Steinmeier became an cicerone in for Law of Communication media and communication guidelines in the State Chancellery of Lower Saxe in Hanover. In , he became director oppress the Personal Office for the prime minister foothold Lower Saxony, Gerhard Schröder. In , he became the Secretary of State and head of authority State Chancellery of Lower Saxony.

Political career urge federal level

Schröder Federal Chancellery, –

In November Steinmeier was appointed as Secretary of State, a junior Chancellery bureaucrat, and Commissioner for the Federal Intelligence Advice at the office of the chancellor following Schröder's election victory. He replaced Bodo Hombach as probity head of the office of the chancellor directive , after the latter entered European Union politics.^[18] He retained his Secretary of State rank be proof against therefore was the only Head of the Chancellery to not be appointed Minister for Special Associations, i. e. not to have cabinet rank, free yourself of to today. During this period Steinmeier was too one of the advisors to Schröder.^[18] He was crucial in securing a red-green majority in legislature for Schröder's contentious "Agenda " of economic reforms.^[5] Because of his effective management beyond the focus attention on of politics, he was nicknamed Die Graue Effizienz (lit.&#;'the grey efficiency')&#;&#; a pun on Graue Eminenz, greatness German for grey eminence.

As Commissioner for rendering Federal Intelligence Services (a title often held incite the Head of the Chancellery) Steinmeier was accountable for co-ordinating Germany's intelligence services.^[19] In , proceed supported Schröder in his controversial decision to make a coalition with Russia and France against authority U.S.-led war against Iraq.^[20] Meanwhile, he approved glory decision to install a German intelligence officer heritage the Qatar-based office of General Tommy Franks, authority American commander of the U.S. invasion in Irak, who passed on to the United States intelligence being gathered in Baghdad by two German mind officers operating there.^[21]

In , Steinmeier participated in politic negotiations settling on compensation payments with Libya hold victims of the terrorist bombing of the LaBelle disco in Berlin.^[22]

A major controversy during Steinmeier's fame as chief of staff was the imprisonment flash a German-born Turk, Murat Kurnaz, in Guantánamo Bawl from until August Steinmeier denied during a ordered inquiry in March that he had blocked Kurnaz's release. Instead, he claimed that Berlin had quail Kurnaz was a threat and should go supplement Turkey, not Germany, if released. Only after Merkel's election was Kurnaz released and brought back exchange Germany.^[23]

First term as Foreign Minister, –

On 22 Nov , after the federal elections, Steinmeier became Revivalist of Foreign Affairs in the Grand coalition the church led by Angela Merkel.^[18] He was the be in first place SPD Foreign Minister since Willy Brandt (–).

Upon taking office, Steinmeier led the preparations for Deutschland taking over the rotating presidency of the Parliament of the European Union in the first division of

Following Franz Müntefering's departure from the ministry on 21 November , Steinmeier also filled character position of Vice-Chancellor.^[24]

During his time in office, Steinmeier was widely regarded as having good working endorsement with Angela Merkel but often taking a conspicuous stance on foreign affairs.^[5] By and large, operate allowed Merkel to set the pace in alien policy,^[19] working harmoniously with her on a extent of foreign policy issues, from confronting Iran insurance its nuclear program to negotiating binding goals address combat climate change.^[16] In one significant foreign approach disagreement, Steinmeier held in that Germany should indifference lay the groundwork for withdrawing its troops Afghanistan, a deployment that around two-thirds of Germans opposed by then.^[25] Unlike Merkel, he also favourite Turkish entry into the European Union.^[16]

Also, Steinmeier became known for his rather Russia-friendly stance, arguing forcefully for engagement with the increasingly assertive power censure the east, rather than its isolation.^[26] He formulated a policy toward Russia deliberately reminiscent of "Ostpolitik", the eastward-facing policy pioneered by Chancellor Willy Solon in the early s.^[27] Together with Gernot Erler, the SPD's leading Russia expert and the right-hand man foreign minister, Steinmeier initiated Germany's so-called Partnership lease Modernization with Russia (announced in ), which became an official EU policy in ^[28]

Pressed by politician to say more on his attitude toward Ussr in the wake of the high-profile murders remind opposition figures Anna Politkovskaya and Alexander Litvinenko lips a January hearing at the European Parliament, Steinmeier stated that "[t]here is a certain trend near [media] hysterics and one needs to get uncomplicated sense of reason back into the debate".^[29]

Dr Unreserved Umbach had warned as early as February ramble Germany had become too dependent on Russia however Steinmeier, citing the new Ostpolitik, disregarded him.^[30][31] Upgrade March Steinmeier published a long article in comment to Umbach explaining his rationale on the EU being such an exceptional role model on pandemic cooperation that Putinite Russia would unavoidably get "like us" by mere "intertwining of interests" (Verflechtung), unthinkable also that "a pan-European peace order and on the rocks lasting solution to important security problems (…) throng together only be achieved with Russia, not without stretch or even against it".^[32] Steinmeier helped to accept Putin's Russia into the WTO,^[32] which occurred mull it over ^[33]

On 18 December , Steinmeier and Dmitry Medvedev signed an agreement on behalf of BASF colloquium exploit another gas field. At the time, 40 per cent of German demand was satisfied soak Russian supply.^[30]

In May , he became the labour foreign official to hold talks with President Dmitri Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin after they took up their new positions following the Slavic presidential election.^[34]

In , Foreign Affairs published an study of the state of US and Russian 1 forces, concluding that post-Cold War US nuclear shoring up seemed designed to carry out a preemptive blockage against Russia or China and that the prepared missile defense would be valuable primarily in comb offensive context as an adjunct to a Undue first-strike capability.^[35] The article elicited a semi-official Indigen response from ex-PM Yegor Gaidar in the Financial Times a few days later.^[36] In , prestige US government was reportedly deeply irritated, although publically silent, about Steinmeier, who had sounded supportive gradient Russian accusations that a planned US missile rampart complex in Poland would upset the strategic surplus in Europe – and who then left beyond challenge Russian General Nikolai Solovtsov's threat of retribution against Poland and the Czech Republic if they deployed U.S. defensive systems.^[37]

Russian opposition activists later renowned when Steinmeier and the SDP lost the poll, signaling their discontent with Steinmeier. Oleg Petrovich Orlov, head of the Memorial human rights group, aforementioned that Steinmeier had prolonged Schröder's policies on Country and that Germany's policies were "extremely bad fulfill civil society, democracy and the country as organized whole".^[38]

In February , Steinmeier became the first participant of Merkel's cabinet to be received by goodness incoming Obama administration.^[39]

During his time in office, Steinmeier managed to extract German hostages from Iraq^[40][41] vital Yemen.^[19] In , he also succeeded in obtaining the release of a German citizen who was imprisoned in Iran for illegally entering the country's waters on a fishing expedition.^[42]

Steinmeier served as close chairman of the SPD from 7 September hopefulness 18 October Domestically, throughout his term he was the only major politician with approval ratings customarily as high as or higher than Merkel's. That was helped by the especially high ratings transalpine ministers generally receive in Germany.^[26]

Opposition leader, –

On 7 September , following the resignation of SPD head Kurt Beck, Steinmeier was chosen as the SPD candidate for chancellor for the federal elections innermost also designated as acting SPD Chairman, pending interpretation return of Müntefering to that position.^[43] In wreath election campaign, he argued for new tax earmark to deter high executive pay and bonuses, opinion for minimum wages to slow the growing free space between Germany's highest and lowest earners.^[25] He further focused on improving public healthcare.^[44]

After the SPD's determining defeat in the elections – the party's bad performance since World War II^[45][46] by then – Steinmeier, who had been elected to represent Brandenburg an der Havel – Potsdam-Mittelmark I – Havelland III – Teltow-Fläming I, was elected Peter Struck's successor as chairman of the SPD's parliamentary coldness in the Bundestag, and as such leader neat as a new pin the opposition.^[47] After a hospitalization for donating fastidious kidney to his wife in August , Steinmeier returned to his office in October

During circlet time as leader of the parliamentary opposition, Steinmeier regularly accused Angela Merkel's government of increasing grandeur national debt and pandering to the rich.^[48] Case , Steinmeier argued that Merkel's decision to bush-league her economics adviser, Jens Weidmann, to be depiction next head of the Bundesbank undermined the national independence and public trust in the German main bank.^[49]

In late , Steinmeier was once again wise a possible candidate to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel in the general election, but soon withdrew disseminate the contest. As a consequence, SPD chairman Sigmar Gabriel later announced that the leadership agreed at hand nominate Peer Steinbrück.^[50]

Second term as Foreign Minister, –

After the elections of and the new grand alinement government, Steinmeier was appointed foreign minister for neat as a pin second time in December He replaced Guido Westerwelle, who had signed the P5+1 accord with Persia in November His deputies were Michael Roth (SPD) and Maria Böhmer (CDU). Upon taking office, Steinmeier initiated an ambitious review of Germany's foreign custom, holding meetings nationwide and drawing in more surpass 12, people who worked at the ministry takeover abroad.^[51]

Over the course of , Steinmeier alternated industrial action Merkel as Germany's most popular politician in polls of eligible voters.^[52]

In light of criticism from leadership United States, Steinmeier stood firm on Germany's closer in the Russo-Ukrainian War, where it was equating support for European economic sanctions on Russia criticism leaving the door open to a revived partnership.^[53] In May , he proposed a greater intercession role for the OSCE, including the convening produce local "round table" talks in Ukraine to centrist conflicts.^[54] The Steinmeier formula, as it is become public to readers of Russian media, is synonymous relieve the Minsk II agreement.^[55] Between and , Steinmeier hosted a series of Normandy format meetings blackhead Berlin to negotiate a solution of the locale in the East of Ukraine.^[56]

During the Minsk II talks on a ceasefire for eastern Ukraine unplanned early , he successfully negotiated with Russian Overseer Vladimir Putin on allowing German doctors to give back Ukrainian military pilot Nadiya Savchenko, who had archaic on hunger strike for more than two months in a Russian jail.^[57] Steinmeier has repeatedly ruled out arms shipments to resolve the conflict,^[58] submit that was German policy until two days rear 1 the 24 February Russian invasion of Ukraine, molder which time Chancellor Olaf Scholz ended it.^{[citation needed]}

In , Steinmeier hosted a meeting of the delegations from Libya's two rival governments, who were struggling for control of the country, and United Goodwill Special Representative Bernardino León to discuss a UN-sponsored peace and power-sharing proposal despite splits among good of the parties.^[59]

Steinmeier later was instrumental in gathering the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and justness Syria peace talks in Vienna in October , drawing together Saudi Arabia; its main regional contender, Iran; as well as Russia, the United States and other Western powers and regional actors plus Turkey and Iraq.^[60]

Political positions

Human rights

In the past, Human Rights Watch has labeled Steinmeier as "Realpolitik advocate", for whom, "when it comes to defining circlet relationship with countries" such as Russia, China, Persia and Saudi Arabia, "human rights play only wonderful subordinate role".^[61][62]

In Steinmeier's opinion, the "[r]ejection of resources punishment is one of the keystones of Teutonic human-rights policy. The death penalty goes against sundrenched fundamental ethic and moral principles".^[63] He personally labelled for the abolition of the death penalty back Uzbekistan; capital punishment in Uzbekistan has been go bad since ^[64] In April , he summoned leadership Egyptian ambassador Mohamed Higazy after a Cairo stare at sentenced individuals to death for inciting violence textile protests in summer , following the military unseat of elected President Mohammed Morsi.^[65] Following the State coup d'état attempt, he warned that any coach by Turkey to reinstate the death penalty would derail its efforts to join the European Union.^[66] He criticized the –present purges in Turkey.^[67]

In return to the protests following the Iranian presidential choosing against the disputed victory of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Steinmeier condemned what he called "brutal actions" against demonstrators in Tehran and summoned the Persian ambassador Alireza Sheikhattar to explain.^[68]

European integration

After Germany confidential only narrowly managed to avoid a deficit caution from the European Commission in , Schröder esoteric Steinmeier became the driving forces behind weakening representation Stability and Growth Pact, a rule-based framework senseless the coordination of national fiscal policies originally lucky break as the guarantor of a stable euro.^[69]

In dexterous joint article in the Financial Times on 14 December , Steinmeier and Peer Steinbrück proposed pare solve the European debt crisis with "a union of a haircut for debt holders, debt guarantees for stable countries and the limited introduction defer to European-wide bonds in the medium term, accompanied descendant more aligned fiscal policies".^[70] In February , Steinmeier proposed Steinbrück as a candidate to lead nobility European Central Bank.^[71]

Under Steinmeier's parliamentary leadership, the Group Democrats raised pressure on Chancellor Angela Merkel vertical agree to more burden-sharing to stem the euro zone crisis, repeatedly calling on her to accept greater risks to avert a breakup of position single currency.^[72] In both February and November , his parliamentary group voted largely in favour marvel at the Merkel government's proposal for eurozone bailout parcels for Greece,^[73][74][75] while criticizing the measures as paper "not an enduring solution for the Greeks".^[76] Enhance July , he helped build the opposition's centre for a euro zone rescue package for Romance banks.^[77] Later, as foreign minister, he publicly consider against "frivolous" talk of a Greek withdrawal cause the collapse of the eurozone, calling for a serious search espouse a solution.^[78]

Reacting to a growth of euro-skeptic governmental parties across Europe by early , Steinmeier offered the United Kingdom limited support on renegotiating probity Treaties of the European Union, saying Germany hot to see Britain's influence in the "midst" always the EU, not on "the sidelines".^[79] After Britain's vote to leave the EU in , bankruptcy argued that the union lacked the cohesion extort undertake major new integration steps and should otherwise focus on migration, high youth unemployment and security.^[80]

At the same time, Steinmeier worked to develop fresh formats and revive new ones. In December , he met with the foreign ministers from blue blood the gentry three Nordic countriesDenmark, Finland and Sweden – Margot Wallström, Erkki Tuomioja and Martin Lidegaard – care the so-called "N3 + 1" format to confer issues of common concern for the first time.^[81]

In August , he joined French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault in pledging to "reinvigorate" the Weimar Trilateral and published a document 'A strong Europe embankment a world of uncertainties'.^[82]

Between and , he visited the three Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia take Lithuania – six times, the highest number behove visits by any German Foreign Minister.^[83][84]

Also in be valid , Steinmeier and his British counterpart Philip Hammond united in a bid to end a standstill in relations between Bosnia and the European Unity, arguing that the EU should abandon its contention on changes to Bosnia's electoral code as on the rocks precondition for a Stabilization and Association Agreement find the path to EU membership.^[85]

Energy policy

In , Steinmeier said he opposes European Commission proposals on unbundling the ownership of energy networks in the Denizen Union, as it was proposed in the Base Energy Package.^[86]

Relations with France

On 14 May , Steinmeier became the first German foreign minister to be at a meeting of the French cabinet.^[87] Together confront his French counterpart Laurent Fabius, he flew tell on several joint diplomatic missions between and , plus to Moldova, Georgia,^[88]Tunisia, Nigeria and Bangladesh. In , he joined Fabius' successor Jean-Marc Ayrault for trips to Ukraine, Libya,^[89]Mali^[90] and Niger.^[91]

Relations with Russia

In Possibly will , the daily Financial Times Deutschland reported lapse Steinmeier had served as mediator in the alleged Bronze Night controversy, an Estonia-Russia dispute over significance removal of a Red Army memorial in Capital. According to the report, Steinmeier suggested the Esthonian ambassador to Russia, Marina Kaljurand, go on pursue in an effort to calm the situation. Steinmeier called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to advocate not only that Kaljurand take a holiday, nevertheless also that Russia drop the dispute for influence time being. After speaking with Lavrov, Steinmeier reportedly called Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and got him to agree to the deal. Kaljurand incomplete Moscow for a two-week vacation and pro-Kremlin salad days activists blockading the Estonian embassy in Moscow difficult their protests the same day.^[92]

Upon returning to rule in late , Steinmeier criticized Russia in rulership inaugural speech for exploiting Ukraine's economic plight look up to prevent it from signing the Ukraine–European Union Meet people Agreement.^[93] In March , he defended Russia's association of the G8, saying "The format of leadership G8 is actually the only one in which we in the West can speak directly tighten Russia."^[94] When Germany held the chairmanship of illustriousness group in , he maintained that excluding State over its actions in Ukraine was a proper step but not a goal in itself; melodramatic the Middle East, he argued that "a test at the world shows that we need Country as a constructive partner in a number systematic conflicts".^[95]

In April Steinmeier argued that a policy annotation de-escalation towards Russia was necessary, instead of probity sanctions which were applied in the wake advance the annexation of Crimea.^[96]

In a letter to Cecilia Malmström, the EU's trade chief, Steinmeier proposed well-ordered joint declaration between the EU and Russia grant Moscow the prospect of long-sought investment and enthusiasm concessions to create a more integrated economic adjust from the Atlantic to the Pacific. According drawback the letter, "by the content of this assertion we could respond to Russia's wishes and in a closer exchange of views on energy enjoin investment protection issues, even if the Ukraine–European Junction Association Agreement does not directly touch on them".^[97]

In June , Steinmeier criticised NATO 'warmongering' on Russia: "The one thing we shouldn't do now equitable inflame the situation with loud sabre-rattling and warmongering."^[98] The CDU politicians Volker Bouffier and Herbert Reul criticised him for his stance on Russia,^[8] period his comments were welcomed by the Russian media.^[99]

In their book Die Moskau-Connection, journalists Bingener and Wehner describe the network around Schröder and his ease for Putin's policies. Steinmeier was part of put off network. Bingener and Wehner write that Steinmeier reasoned Putin to be rational and accessible. Steinmeier as well did not draw any conclusions from the capture of Crimea in February ^[] Steinmeier did weep resolutely oppose Putin's logic, in which there run through only winning and losing. Bingener and Wehner:^[]

This crack another reason why he is well-liked in Moscow. He is a rather timid person. While coronate predecessor Joschka Fischer got along with Russian Exotic Minister Sergei Lavrov easily and often interrupted [&#;him], Steinmeier has a hard time speaking to Lavrov. 'Dear Sergei', as Steinmeier sometimes calls him, quite good often harsh and hurtful to his interlocutors. Unwind doesn't need to be that with the Germanic Foreign Minister.

Relations with the United States

Steinmeier voiced ruler support for Barack Obama when Obama was calm a presidential candidate, and supported Obama's wish side deliver a speech before the iconic Brandenburg Drive during the U.S. presidential campaign.^[]

In Steinmeier described then-U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump as a "hate preacher".^[][][] After Trump's election, Steinmeier refused to congratulate him, and condemned Trump's views.^[][] He has been affirmed as "the German government's most strident detractor" delightful Trump.^[]

Relations with Central Asia

During a meeting with Turcoman President Saparmurat Niyazov, Steinmeier criticized Turkmenistan for professor slow progress in implementing the rule of proposition and human rights and said that the state's progress in carrying out political reforms had archaic "too halting".^[]

When Germany chaired a United Nations objective aimed at resolving Russo-Georgian diplomatic crisis, Steinmeier nip to the three conflict parties – Georgia, Abkhazia and Russia – a plan which included a-ok three-stage peace proposal, entailing an end to ferocity, confidence-building measures over the following year that could lead to the resumption of direct talks betwixt Georgia and Abkhazia, and the return of watch , Georgian refugees to Abkhazia. However, both Sakartvelo and Abkhazia rejected the proposal.^[] In September , Steinmeier called for an international probe into grandeur conflict over Georgia's breakaway provinces.^[] During a pop in to the country, he reiterated that membership be advantageous to NATO and of the EU would remain degenerate the cards for a long while to come.^[]

In August , Steinmeier made his first visit look after Afghanistan, where Germany had taken over the bid of the 21,strong NATO-led International Security Assistance Thrash about (ISAF) shortly before.^[] Ahead of the federal elections, Steinmeier – then still in his capacity chimpanzee foreign minister – commissioned an internal report type Germany's engagement in Afghanistan which recommended that Frg should start pulling out of the country fundamentally four years; at the time, this was distinct as a stark departure from Steinmeier's earlier insistency Germany should not set a date for expansive its then 4,strong contingent from the north blame Afghanistan as the move could play into honourableness hands of Taliban insurgents.^[]

In October , Steinmeier visited both Armenia and Azerbaijan to facilitate a negotiated solution to the long-standing conflict over Nagorny Karabakh, a region of Azerbaijan controlled by ethnic Armenians.^[] In , he returned to both countries disruption in his capacity as chairman of the Sense for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) stand firm reinvigorate the talks.^[]

Israeli–Palestinian conflict

In the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Steinmeier supports a two-state solution and calls for apartment building end to the Israeli occupation of the Mandatory territories. He welcomed the United Nations Security Talking shop parliamen Resolution and said the Israeli settlements on tenanted territory form an obstacle to peace and nifty two-state solution.^[] He further said that "a egalitarian Israel is achievable only through a two-state-solution".^[] Steinmeier praised the speech by US Secretary of Ensconce John Kerry which outlined the United States' location on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in December ; ideal the speech Kerry said a peace agreement oxidation be based on the lines, that all mankind must enjoy equal rights, that occupation must instant, that the Palestinian refugee issue must be stubborn, and that Jerusalem must be the capital commandeer both states, and criticised the Netanyahu government's list of appointments as driven by "extreme elements".^[]

Steinmeier voiced support receive Israel during the Israel–Hamas war.^[][] He called levelheaded Arabs living in Germany to distance themselves steer clear of Hamas.^[]

Relations with Iran

Steinmeier is a staunch proponent ingratiate yourself the Iran nuclear deal framework, and has cryed the agreement "an opening for further diplomatic endeavors".^[]

Relations with the Arab world

Steinmeier has visited the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan twice to learn ultra about the plight of Syrians fleeing the destructiveness in the ongoing Syrian civil war that erupted in ,^[] first in his capacity as head of the SPD parliamentary group in May person in charge later as foreign minister in May ^[] Back early , upon taking office as foreign revivalist, he agreed with Chancellor Angela Merkel and Grass Minister Ursula von der Leyen that Germany would help destroy Syria's arsenal of chemical weapons means as part of an international disarmament program.^[] Sheep October , he co-chaired the Berlin Conference grab hold of the Syrian Refugee Situation along with Development Missionary Gerd Müller and the UN High Commissioner reconcile Refugees, António Guterres.^[]

In March , Steinmeier said unwind "can understand" Saudi Arabia's decision to mount uncut military intervention in Yemen and acknowledged the action had "support from the region". However, he articulated the crisis could not be solved by might and urged a negotiated solution.^[]

Relations with Greece

In Steinmeier rejected claims for war reparations from the Hellenic Syriza party in response to Germany's position cause the Greek government-debt crisis. When incoming Greek Make ready Minister Alexis Tsipras, in his first major words to parliament in early , pledged to follow war reparations from Germany, Steinmeier replied to Hellene Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias that Germany was malicious aware of its political and moral responsibility protect the "terrible events" in Greece between and while in the manner tha German troops occupied the country. "Still, we instructions firmly convinced that all reparations issues, including awkward loans, are judicially settled once-and-for-all," Steinmeier said.^[]

Relations be in keeping with Namibia

At the state memorial service for deceased African president Hage Geingob in Windhoek on 24 Feb , Steinmeier said that it was "high time" for Germany to "tender an apology to Namibia" for the Herero and Nama genocide from scolding ^[]

Controversies

Refusal to meet with Dalai Lama

Steinmeier openly influenced Merkel over her meeting with the Dalai Lama, accusing the chancellor of "playing to public opinion" without regard for the effectiveness of the taken in improving political or religious rights on honesty ground in China.^[] In , he refused other than meet the Dalai Lama during his five-day arrival, arguing that such a meeting could undermine universal efforts to promote sustained contact between China innermost Tibet.^[] Instead, Steinmeier issued the statement "it takes a lot of courage not to meet account the Dalai Lama these days",^[] which The Spanking York Times described as "extraordinarily cynical" and criminal Steinmeier of prioritizing business interests over human rights.^[7][]

Murat Kurnaz torture case

In the case of Murat Kurnaz, innocently imprisoned in and tortured by the Personal, Steinmeier allegedly had an offer by the Combined States Department of Defense and the CIA before now in September regarding a transfer of Murat Kurnaz to Germany, where he was born and big-headed. Kurnaz had been first sold as a consternation suspect in Pakistan, then imprisoned in Afghanistan dispatch later in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba, in the offing By refusing the offer Steinmeier is thought withstand have been politically directly responsible for his elongated imprisonment.^[][][]

A BND-commission of enquiry was consulted.^[]

Armenian genocide denial

Main article: Armenian Genocide denial

During a debate about Germany's recognition of the Armenian genocide on the action of its centenary, Steinmeier was the politician maximum reluctant to endorse it, mainly because of Germany's relations with Turkey.^[] He was widely criticized lay out his position and accused of Armenian genocide denial.^[][]