International press..Interview..Christoph Heusen: Merkel's foreign policy has brought Germany a good reputation around the world

Christoph Heusen.

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German politician Christoph Heusen, who served as a political advisor to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, spoke about his opinion of the chancellor, telling the newspaper "Der Spiegel" that he believed that she managed difficult crises in a balanced and correct manner, and brought a good reputation to her country.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

• What can you say about the state of astonishment that afflicted Berlin as a result of what happened in Afghanistan?

•• The surprising truth was not in Berlin, but everyone was shocked by what happened in Afghanistan.

• Do you think that the West would have achieved success in Afghanistan if it had handled things differently?

•• Personally, I think we should have stayed longer in Afghanistan, just as the Americans did in Japan, South Korea and Germany.

The main contention there is that governments in those countries have helped build democracy and institutions.

• Do you think that Afghanistan was a defeat for the West?

•• In fact, I removed the word “the West” from my dictionary?

• Why?

•• From my point of view, the issue is no longer just a dispute between the West and the East these days, but between countries that are committed to international law and order, the United Nations Charter, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and those that do not.

These principles are not Western, but global.

• What is your assessment of the foreign policy of Merkel's period?

•• During the past four years (Heusen was Germany's ambassador to the United Nations), I noticed that Germany had an excellent reputation, thanks to Chancellor Merkel.

The people of New York have always envied us, as a well-functioning country led by a visionary chancellor, who for 16 years has ensured stability, confidence in the country and balanced management of crises such as the euro crisis, financial crises, Ukraine crisis, and refugee crisis.

During the refugee crisis, my colleagues at the United Nations told me that Germany's refugee policy had changed their view of Germany forever.

Opening the borders to refugees in 2015 was a big deal for Germany's reputation.

• Crisis management is Merkel's legacy.

But isn't the goal of successful foreign policy to avoid crises?

The refugee crisis could have been avoided if Germany's neighboring countries had dealt with it at an early stage.

•• It might have been avoided, but we have learned a lot from this crisis.

Today, Germany is the second largest financial contributor to the United Nations, and we provide significant support to the World Food Program and the Children's Fund.

• Are there issues that you look at today and say to yourself I should have been more insistent even with the chancellor?

•• In fact, my role in the Chancellery was to work as a foreign policy advisor, but there are many decisions that have economic or local dimensions that the Chancellor should have taken into consideration. From dealing with that I have to find another job or enter politics.

• Before Merkel entered the Chancellery, you served as Chief of Staff of the former High Representative for European Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana.

Are you frustrated that not much has been accomplished in EU foreign policy over the past 20 years?

•• Those were the golden days of European foreign policy.

Solana previously held the position of Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and can speak on an equal footing with heads of state and heads of government.

No one has been appointed to the position of Solana's weight and stature since that time.

Most countries are not ready to hand over more talent to Brussels.

It will be the first step of its kind if a head of state or a former head of government is finally appointed to this position.

• What do you think of Angela Merkel .. Could you do that?

•• I don't think she can go to a position like this after completing her term as an advisor.

The refugee crisis could have been avoided if Germany's neighboring countries had dealt with it at an early stage.

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