General Scowcroft Honored as Steadfast Friend of Germany
Ambassador Klaus Scharioth presented General Brent Scowcroft with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, which was bestowed upon him by Federal President Horst Köhler for his contributions to German-American relations.
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- Ambassador Scharioth, right, presents General Scowcroft with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany as Ulrike Scharioth looks on.
- (© Germany.info)
Ambassador Scharioth highlighted General Scowcroft’s role during the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago, when he was national security advisor to US President George H. W. Bush. At the ceremony in the Ambassador’s Residence on December 1, 2009, Scharioth thanked General Scowcroft for his foresight and his vital contribution to the string of events that took place while he was serving as national security advisor to President Bush in 1989.
General Scowcroft understood the delicacy of the situation, Ambassador Scharioth said. He successfully managed to strike a careful balance between supporting East and West Germany's aspirations to freedom, unity and independence from the Soviet Union while at the same time improving the West’s relation and maintaining mutual trust with the Soviets.
Scowcroft was the one who recognized that the fall of the wall – however emotionally moving and decisive – was only the initial step towards a unified and free Europe.
Ambassador Scharioth called General Scowcroft a steadfast friend of Germany, even in difficult times. Scowcroft had always insisted on Germany and the US upholding a strong and cordial relationship and constantly maintaining open channels of communication even when the road gets rough.
In addition to serving as national security advisor to President Bush from 1989 to 1993, Scowcroft held the same position under President Gerald Ford from 1974 to 1977. He also chaired the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board under President George W. Bush.
General Scowcroft was greatly moved and accepted the award expressing gratitude and delight. He stressed the enormous relevance of the German-American friendship. This “partnership in leadership” was of essential importance especially in present times.
