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Foreign Minister Steinmeier Talks with Secretary Rice

Washington: Steinmeier met with Rice for over an hour on Nov. 29. DPA photo

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington on Tuesday, November 29, for a more than one-hour discussion which Steinmeier described as “friendly and good.” Speaking to the press afterward, Steinmeier said, “this was more than just an inaugural visit.”

On the abduction in Iraq of a German citizen and her driver, Steinmeier said that Rice assured him that US authorities in Iraq would make available their local knowledge to German authorities. Steinmeier said that German authorities would proceed with prudence and carefulness in the matter. “The utmost priority now is the physical safety of those affected,” Steinmeier said earlier in the day, before meeting with Rice.

Minister Steinmeier also spoke with Secretary Rice about media reports that the CIA transported terrorism suspects through airports in Europe, including Germany. Steinmeier said that Rice showed understanding for the concern the reports have raised in the public and in parliaments in Europe. Rice said the US would soon provide an answer to the request for information by British Foreign Secretary and EU Council President Jack Straw.

Media: Steinmeier spoke with reporters after his meeting with Rice. Embassy photo

Minister Steinmeier is visiting the US for the first time since becoming Foreign Minister in the new government. At the State Department, he also met with Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick. He is scheduled to meet with National Security Adviser Steve Hadley at the White House later on Tuesday.

Steinmeier began his US visit on November 28 in New York, where he met with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and discussed Security Council reform, among other topics. "Security Council reform remains on the agenda," Steinmeier said to the press after his meeting with Annan. "Our proposal remains on the table," he said, referring to the joint reform proposal submitted by Germany, Brazil, India and Japan.

November 29, 2005

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Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the German-American Relationship

Foreign Minister Steinmeier's CV

Reform of the United Nations Security Council - Questions and Answers

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