Interior Minister Schäuble’s Interview With Deutsche Welle

German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble spoke to Deutsche Welle Washington Bureau Chief Rüdiger Lentz on Monday, September 25, in Washington.

Lentz: Mr. Schäuble, you are here in America to discuss the joint cooperation in the fight against terror. How is the cooperation going?

Minister Schäuble: It is going well. First of all, we have determined that there are no problems. Second, we discussed a few points where we can further improve in the future, for example, in the efficient exchange of data. I also hope we will manage to bring about an agreement between the EU and the U.S. on the issues concerning these flight data, which will also prevent further burdens from being placed on air traffic — as well as on passengers.

Lentz: In the fight against terror, Guantanamo has always played an important role for America and apparently will likely continue to do so. Chancellor Merkel voiced blunt criticism of Guantanamo during her recent visit to Washington. Did you receive any assurances from the Americans that Guantanamo will possibly be closed?

Minister Schäuble: There is no decision yet on what will ultimately happen with Guantanamo. But the Americans are in the process of drastically reducing the number of people held at Guantanamo. They have already reduced the number and want to reduce it further.

Lentz: Did you receive the assurance that this fight against terror will in future be prosecuted by means permitted under the rule of law, including by the American side?

Minister Schäuble: What matters is that the Geneva Convention will be respected and observed without reservation. Torture is and will remain banned, and that is also crucial!

Lentz: Do you feel this assurance is important also in order to be able to support the American position politically back home?

Minister Schäuble: I thought it was important because, of course, we also have an interest in succeeding together. We have an interest in America being a strong leading power in the world. The world would be a lot less safe without a strong America. That is why it is certainly very important that America be perceived as a guarantor of peace, democracy, liberty, human rights, stability and not — as an increasing number of people now think — as a major threat to peace and fundamental rights. That is not in the American interest, nor is it in our interest.

And to that end, we must pursue the proper policy and respect the fundamental principles of international law; otherwise, we cannot defend them.

The interview was conducted in German and translated by the German Embassy.

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