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The Week in Germany: Current Affairs

February 9, 2007

European Unification, the Middle East
- and 12 Gold Camels

Angela Merkel with King Abdullah II in Riyadh. Photos: REGIERUNGonline/Kühler

German Chancellor Angela Merkel drew parallels between the Mideast peace process and the European unification process, recalling the former division of her own continent, during her recent four-nation tour of the region.

She also called for a two-state solution: An Israel with secure borders, in which people could live in peace, and a Palestinian state, in which all people have a real chance at a good life.

"I have already seen a Wall fall," she said in recalling her own path in life as someone who grew up in the former East Germany, before it was reunified with West Germany in 1990. Merkel encouraged the people she encountered in the Gulf states to engage in visionary thinking. A child of the GDR, she is now president of the European Council.

Merkel now the proud owner of a special gift

During her visit in Riyadh, Saudi King Abdullah gave Merkel a golden surprise.

In the King's palace, a large green chest was brought out and presented to Merkel as a gift, members of the German delegation said on Monday.

Inside were 12 gold camels that were arranged on a tablet around a fountain whose water was made of crystal. Merkel praised the "beautiful work" of the piece and was visibly moved by the gift, the Germans said after Sunday night's presentation.

Merkel gives longtime Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek two thumbs up in Cairo as the two leaders called for a comprehensive plan for the Middle East ...

In the Arab world, the camel is a symbol of prosperity and beauty. One diplomat said that the gift would certainly become an attraction in the German government's collection of state gifts. For her part, Merkel often brings Meissen porcelain as gifts on her diplomatic trips.

Riyadh was the second stop on Merkel's tour aimed at reviving the Mideast peace process during Berlin's EU presidency in the first half of 2007. Her first stop was in Cairo, and she arrived Monday in the United Arab Emirates, where she met with its president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, and Economy Minister Lubna al-Qasimi in Abu Dhabi.

On Tuesday, Merkel traveled on to Dubai and Kuwait, where her four-day trip came to a close. Throughout her journey, she urged leaders in the region to adopt a common strategy in the Middle East peace process. (TWIG/Regierung Online/dpa)

... and checks out the pyramids of Egypt! Click here for more photos of Merkel's trip.

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