German ambassador: 'We owe America'
By MIKE CUMMINGS
THE SUN HERALD
Posted on Wed, Jan. 14, 2004
sunherald.com
JACKSON - Wolfgang Ischinger, German ambassador to the United States, believes the relationship between his nation and the U.S. has enormous depth that far exceeds the nations' opposing views about the ongoing war in Iraq.
He said an upcoming exhibition of Baroque-era art from Dresden, Germany, at the Mississippi Arts Pavilion will help demonstrate the richness of the bond.
Ischinger, 57, spent two days in Jackson this week laying the groundwork for the Feb. 27 visit by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who will oversee preparations for "The Glory of Baroque Dresden," which opens in March.
Over coffee and cheesecake at a large glass table inside the Arts Pavilion, Ischinger explained Germans' affection for the United States.
He mentioned his nation's gratitude for the United State's leadership during the Cold War, during which Germany was split into two countries.
"I would not be here representing a united Germany were it not for the determined support that Germany had from the first President Bush during the reunification of Germany," he said. "That is not forgotten. Nor is it forgotten that Berlin would not have remained a free city if the United States through a succession of administrations had not defended that freedom... Most Germans are aware that we owe something to America."
He said part of Germany's opposition to the pre-emptive war on the Saddam Hussein regime stems from its experience during World War II and other conflicts in its history.
Dresden, the city at the center of the art exhibition, was levelled by an allied bombing raid in 1945. More than 100,000 people were killed.
The more than 400 works of art to be displayed were removed from the city before the attack.
"Germans, in general and maybe people in Dresden in particular, probably do have a different view of what war means because war happens in our case, at home," Ischinger said. "It destroys your house. It kills your father, mother, family. It is devastating. It is unjust. It is horrible."
He said America's history has provided its citizens with a different concept of war, saying Americans have often used war to promote democracy.
"We are coming from different historical backgrounds," he said. "The task for political leaders is to manage the relationship in a way that these differences that are there... can be managed and that they will not damage a relationship that is otherwise rich, vibrant and comprehensive."
Ischinger said Germans deeply value cultural contributions made by the United States, especially in music. He is a fan of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. He said 20th century American art is very important to many Germans.
Ischinger became ambassador to the U.S. on 9/11. He pointed out the unwavering support Germany offered this country after the catastrophic terrorist attack.
He said Schroeder's visit is proof that his country is committed to maintaining its relationship with America, and said the country should maintain "a good working relationship" despite differences about Iraq.
Ischinger said Germany does not intend to stand in the margins as the war-torn nation is rebuilt, and said the country has offered humanitarian assistance and to help train the new Iraqi police force.
"It's our back yard," he said of Iraq. "It's not your back yard." |
