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The Week in Germany: Current Affairs September 29, 2006 A Witness to History: Former German Ambassador Recalls the Fall of the Wall and Celebrating German Unity in Washington The day the Berlin Wall fell, Jürgen Ruhfus was on a flight to Santa Fe. After receiving an inflight call, he first heard the historic news from his wife Karin, who was waiting for him in Santa Fe. She also informed him that journalists were gathering at the airport, hoping to receive comments and insight from Germany's top representative in America.
Ecstatic with the news, Dr. Ruhfus immediately flew back to Washington, D.C. His staff had lined up an impressive list of television interviews for him. His frequent appearances in the U.S. media at the time led former President George H.W. Bush to quip in jest: "Jürgen, these days you are on television more than I." Jürgen Ruhfus loves America - so he and his wife Karin felt very fortunate to be the official representatives of the united Germany during the celebrations on this side of the Atlantic. His memories of the celebrations are among the best of the many highlights in his extensive career of diplomatic service. Ruhfus began his diplomatic career in 1955. He served on the personal staff of all German foreign ministers and as National Security Advisor for former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. He was appointed ambassador to Washington from 1987 to 1992. He has also served as German ambassador to Kenya and Britain. Chancellor Schmidt calls him a true "Zeitzeuge" (a witness to history) in his introduction to the autobiographical book "Aufwärts: Erlebnisse und Erinnerungen eines diplomatischeen Zeitzeugen, 1955 bis 1992" (Upwards: Experiences and Memories of a Diplomatic Witness to History, 1955 to 1992), which was published this year in Germany. The unification of Germany was the culmination of Ruhfus' career. In an interview with The Week in Germany, Ruhfus recalled the unforgettable festivities in Washington. The celebrations started with an impressive gathering at the invitation of the President in the Rose Garden of the White House, continued with a reception at the German Embassy, and concluded with a special service of thanks at the overcrowded Washington National Cathedral. The festivities carried over into the following day on Capitol Hill, and that evening again at a huge party held at the German Embassy - a truly memorable "Volksfest". During these times, the strong support for German unity by the U.S. government and the American people was unforgettable to those who experienced them. The members of the U.S. Congress affirmed their commitment by being the first Parliament to ratify the landmark Two Plus Four Treaty. In the summer of 1992, during the first visit of Richard von Weizsäcker as President of the united Germany, President Bush made the memorable statement: "United Germany, champion of a united Europe, is our partner in leadership." Both leaders also made the joint assessment that "German-American relations were never as close and cordial as this before."
During Ruhfus' assignment, the "German-American Day" was celebrated year after year with the President in the White House, with the Speaker of the House and representatives of both Chambers of Congress on Capitol Hill. It was also commemorated in many other parts of the USA. Wherever possible, Ruhfus underlined the clear and strong statements by President Ronald Reagan and President George Bush, as well as the resolutions of the Congress recalling the contribution of the German-Americans to the building of the great American nation. Contacts with many national and regional Jewish organizations were intensified, and a range of companies and enterprises increased their support. At the same time, the Study Groups on Germany in the Congress were built up. This year, Jürgen Ruhfus once again visited Washington, D.C. On October 3, at the 16th annual celebration of the Day of German Unity, he attended the official reception hosted by German Ambassador to the United States Klaus Scharioth. The event was held at the ambassador's official residence on the grounds of the Germany Embassy in Washington and was attended by many prominent guests, including former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and former President George W.H. Bush. In his book, Ruhfus describes in detail the teamwork which proved crucial in all his positions at home and abroad. In particular, he finds warm words for the untiring support of his wife Karin in all situations they encountered together. Her contribution to the social scene in Washington was officially put on record in the Proceedings of the Senate. In his farewell tribute Senator Johnston said "on behalf of all my colleagues: "Mrs. Ruhfus had few peers in the diplomatic world. She will leave a huge vacuum in the lives of so many in this city who love her and who will miss her warmth, her sense of humor and her zest for life." Summing up his experiences, in view of the shifting balance of power among the leading nations in the world Ruhfus concludes that "partners in leadership Berlin-Washington" must be transformed into "partners in leadership European Union and the United States". Given Germany's increased clout since unification, its geographic location at the heart of Europe and its manifold connections with the USA "we have to be the driving force for this goal - on both sides of the Atlantic". The German-Americans - still the largest group of European heritage in the USA - can and should be an important asset to these efforts. The book by Jürgen Ruhfus (ISBN 3-8306-7202-0) can be ordered
at www.amazon.de (search for 3830672020 or ruhfus aufwärts). Links: |
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