Obama: Destroying ISIL

The transcript of President Obama’s September 10 evening address to the nation on ISIL:

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My fellow Americans, tonight I want to speak to you about what the United States will do with our friends and allies to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ISIL.

As Commander-in-Chief, my highest priority is the security of the American people.  Over the last several years, we have consistently taken the fight to terrorists who threaten our country.  We took out Osama bin Laden and much of al Qaeda’s leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  We’ve targeted al Qaeda’s affiliate in Yemen, and recently eliminated the top commander of its affiliate in Somalia.  We’ve done so while bringing more than 140,000 American troops home from Iraq, and drawing down our forces in Afghanistan, where our combat mission will end later this year.  Thanks to our military and counterterrorism professionals, America is safer.

Still, we continue to face a terrorist threat.  We can’t erase every trace of evil from the world, and small groups of killers have the capacity to do great harm.  That was the case before 9/11, and that remains true today.  And that’s why we must remain vigilant as threats emerge.  At this moment, the greatest threats come from the Middle East and North Africa, where radical groups exploit grievances for their own gain.  And one of those groups is ISIL -- which calls itself the “Islamic State.”

Now let’s make two things clear:  ISIL is not “Islamic.”  No religion condones the killing of innocents.  And the vast majority of ISIL’s victims have been Muslim.  And ISIL is certainly not a state.  It was formerly al Qaeda’s affiliate in Iraq, and has taken advantage of sectarian strife and Syria’s civil war to gain territory on both sides of the Iraq-Syrian border.  It is recognized by no government, nor by the people it subjugates.  ISIL is a terrorist organization, pure and simple.  And it has no vision other than the slaughter of all who stand in its way.

In a region that has known so much bloodshed, these terrorists are unique in their brutality.  They execute captured prisoners.  They kill children.  They enslave, rape, and force women into marriage.  They threatened a religious minority with genocide.  And in acts of barbarism, they took the lives of two American journalists -- Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff.

So ISIL poses a threat to the people of Iraq and Syria, and the broader Middle East -- including American citizens, personnel and facilities.  If left unchecked, these terrorists could pose a growing threat beyond that region, including to the United States.  While we have not yet detected specific plotting against our homeland, ISIL leaders have threatened America and our allies.  Our Intelligence Community believes that thousands of foreigners -– including Europeans and some Americans –- have joined them in Syria and Iraq.  Trained and battle-hardened, these fighters could try to return to their home countries and carry out deadly attacks.

I know many Americans are concerned about these threats.  Tonight, I want you to know that the United States of America is meeting them with strength and resolve.  Last month, I ordered our military to take targeted action against ISIL to stop its advances.  Since then, we’ve conducted more than 150 successful airstrikes in Iraq.  These strikes have protected American personnel and facilities, killed ISIL fighters, destroyed weapons, and given space for Iraqi and Kurdish forces to reclaim key territory.  These strikes have also helped save the lives of thousands of innocent men, women and children.

But this is not our fight alone.  American power can make a decisive difference, but we cannot do for Iraqis what they must do for themselves, nor can we take the place of Arab partners in securing their region.  And that’s why I’ve insisted that additional U.S. action depended upon Iraqis forming an inclusive government, which they have now done in recent days.  So tonight, with a new Iraqi government in place, and following consultations with allies abroad and Congress at home, I can announce that America will lead a broad coalition to roll back this terrorist threat.

Our objective is clear:  We will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy.

First, we will conduct a systematic campaign of airstrikes against these terrorists.  Working with the Iraqi government, we will expand our efforts beyond protecting our own people and humanitarian missions, so that we’re hitting ISIL targets as Iraqi forces go on offense.  Moreover, I have made it clear that we will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country, wherever they are.  That means I will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria, as well as Iraq.  This is a core principle of my presidency:  If you threaten America, you will find no safe haven.

Second, we will increase our support to forces fighting these terrorists on the ground.  In June, I deployed several hundred American servicemembers to Iraq to assess how we can best support Iraqi security forces.  Now that those teams have completed their work –- and Iraq has formed a government –- we will send an additional 475 servicemembers to Iraq.  As I have said before, these American forces will not have a combat mission –- we will not get dragged into another ground war in Iraq.  But they are needed to support Iraqi and Kurdish forces with training, intelligence and equipment.  We’ll also support Iraq’s efforts to stand up National Guard Units to help Sunni communities secure their own freedom from ISIL’s control.

Across the border, in Syria, we have ramped up our military assistance to the Syrian opposition.  Tonight, I call on Congress again to give us additional authorities and resources to train and equip these fighters.  In the fight against ISIL, we cannot rely on an Assad regime that terrorizes its own people -- a regime that will never regain the legitimacy it has lost.  Instead, we must strengthen the opposition as the best counterweight to extremists like ISIL, while pursuing the political solution necessary to solve Syria’s crisis once and for all.

Third, we will continue to draw on our substantial counterterrorism capabilities to prevent ISIL attacks.  Working with our partners, we will redouble our efforts to cut off its funding; improve our intelligence; strengthen our defenses; counter its warped ideology; and stem the flow of foreign fighters into and out of the Middle East.  And in two weeks, I will chair a meeting of the U.N. Security Council to further mobilize the international community around this effort.

Fourth, we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians who have been displaced by this terrorist organization.  This includes Sunni and Shia Muslims who are at grave risk, as well as tens of thousands of Christians and other religious minorities.  We cannot allow these communities to be driven from their ancient homelands.

So this is our strategy.  And in each of these four parts of our strategy, America will be joined by a broad coalition of partners.  Already, allies are flying planes with us over Iraq; sending arms and assistance to Iraqi security forces and the Syrian opposition; sharing intelligence; and providing billions of dollars in humanitarian aid.  Secretary Kerry was in Iraq today meeting with the new government and supporting their efforts to promote unity.  And in the coming days he will travel across the Middle East and Europe to enlist more partners in this fight, especially Arab nations who can help mobilize Sunni communities in Iraq and Syria, to drive these terrorists from their lands.  This is American leadership at its best:  We stand with people who fight for their own freedom, and we rally other nations on behalf of our common security and common humanity.

My administration has also secured bipartisan support for this approach here at home.  I have the authority to address the threat from ISIL, but I believe we are strongest as a nation when the President and Congress work together.  So I welcome congressional support for this effort in order to show the world that Americans are united in confronting this danger.

Now, it will take time to eradicate a cancer like ISIL.  And any time we take military action, there are risks involved –- especially to the servicemen and women who carry out these missions.  But I want the American people to understand how this effort will be different from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  It will not involve American combat troops fighting on foreign soil.  This counterterrorism campaign will be waged through a steady, relentless effort to take out ISIL wherever they exist, using our air power and our support for partner forces on the ground.  This strategy of taking out terrorists who threaten us, while supporting partners on the front lines, is one that we have successfully pursued in Yemen and Somalia for years.  And it is consistent with the approach I outlined earlier this year:  to use force against anyone who threatens America’s core interests, but to mobilize partners wherever possible to address broader challenges to international order.

My fellow Americans, we live in a time of great change. Tomorrow marks 13 years since our country was attacked.  Next week marks six years since our economy suffered its worst setback since the Great Depression.  Yet despite these shocks, through the pain we have felt and the grueling work required to bounce back, America is better positioned today to seize the future than any other nation on Earth.

Our technology companies and universities are unmatched.  Our manufacturing and auto industries are thriving.  Energy independence is closer than it’s been in decades.  For all the work that remains, our businesses are in the longest uninterrupted stretch of job creation in our history.  Despite all the divisions and discord within our democracy, I see the grit and determination and common goodness of the American people every single day –- and that makes me more confident than ever about our country’s future.

Abroad, American leadership is the one constant in an uncertain world.  It is America that has the capacity and the will to mobilize the world against terrorists.  It is America that has rallied the world against Russian aggression, and in support of the Ukrainian peoples’ right to determine their own destiny.  It is America –- our scientists, our doctors, our know-how –- that can help contain and cure the outbreak of Ebola.  It is America that helped remove and destroy Syria’s declared chemical weapons so that they can’t pose a threat to the Syrian people or the world again.  And it is America that is helping Muslim communities around the world not just in the fight against terrorism, but in the fight for opportunity, and tolerance, and a more hopeful future.

America, our endless blessings bestow an enduring burden.  But as Americans, we welcome our responsibility to lead.  From Europe to Asia, from the far reaches of Africa to war-torn capitals of the Middle East, we stand for freedom, for justice, for dignity.  These are values that have guided our nation since its founding.

Tonight, I ask for your support in carrying that leadership forward.  I do so as a Commander-in-Chief who could not be prouder of our men and women in uniform –- pilots who bravely fly in the face of danger above the Middle East, and servicemembers who support our partners on the ground.

When we helped prevent the massacre of civilians trapped on a distant mountain, here’s what one of them said:  “We owe our American friends our lives.  Our children will always remember that there was someone who felt our struggle and made a long journey to protect innocent people.”

That is the difference we make in the world.  And our own safety, our own security, depends upon our willingness to do what it takes to defend this nation and uphold the values that we stand for –- timeless ideals that will endure long after those who offer only hate and destruction have been vanquished from the Earth.

May God bless our troops, and may God bless the United States of America.

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Statement by the President on ISIL, The White House, September 10, 2014

Iraqi TV Satire: Satan and Jewish Woman Give Birth to ISIS

From MEMRI:

Al-Iraqiyya TV recently aired a promo announcing a soon-to-come anti-ISIS satirical series. The series, called "The Superstitious State" - a play on the words "khilafa" ("caliphate") and "khirafa" ("superstition") – features an assortment of colorful characters, including a red-clad devil with a pitchfork, whose union with a Jewess - wearing a large Star of David - begets an "ISIS-ling" in the form of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, hatched from an egg. Other characters in the cast include Sheikha Mozah, wife of the former Emir of Qatar, a gun-toting, grog-swigging American cowboy, the Joker from Batman, Dracula, and a character presumably representing Stalin. The promo was broadcast on the Iraqi TV channel on September 9, and is being shown several times a day since.

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Satan and a Jewish Woman Give Birth to ISIS in an Iraqi TV Satire, MEMRI, September 9, 2014

Putin: Why Sanctions Now?

The following is a report, from the website of the President of Russia, of a news conference with Vladimir Putin after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, September 12, 2014

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PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Good afternoon, please, go ahead.

QUESTION: The SCO summits always draw a lot of attention, and given the current international situation, the attention is even greater this time. What are the summit’s main results in your view? Could you give some greater detail? Of course we all noted the statements some of the CIS countries’ leaders made today with regard to Ukraine. In how much detail was the Ukrainian crisis discussed at the summit and how close are the SCO countries’ leaders’ views on this matter?

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Regarding the summit overall, I think it was a big success. We reviewed what has been achieved so far in the economy, in coordinating our positions on the international stage, and discussed at the meeting in narrow format our assessments of current events and the threats that we see and that we must respond to in timely and competent fashion, above all the Afghanistan problem. I will not go into detail now, but you probably all saw it for yourselves anyway, and it is all reflected in the documents. We discussed other troubled parts of the world too, North Africa, Iraq of course, and other countries. Of course we also discussed the situation in Ukraine. I briefed my colleagues on what is happening there. Our common position (and I mean precisely our common position, as we share practically the same views and approach regarding this issue) is reflected in the relevant summit document. You can take a look at it for yourselves. It sets out everything in detail. I would not say that Ukraine was discussed as a separate issue of its own, rather it was examined as one of the issues we face today.    

I had bilateral meetings with nearly all of my colleagues. I had very constructive meetings with the presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, and with the various participants and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, including President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. We have highly developed bilateral relations with each of these countries. China, as you know, is our biggest trade and economic partner and our bilateral trade will reach a figure of nearly $90 billion this year. China is our biggest partner among individual countries. We also discussed our plans to enlarge the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. You saw that we adopted documents today relating to procedures for accession of new member countries to the organisation.

Russia took over the organisation’s presidency for the coming year. We plan to hold a summit in Ufa next year. Over this time, we plan to hold more than 100 events of various types and level, economic and humanitarian. The summit will of course be the concluding event and will take place in July next year. Or course we will also work on the question of accepting new members into the organisation.

India and Pakistan have both expressed the desire to join the organisation. We will work with all of our partners and colleagues and with all participants in the organisation. Let’s see what results we can achieve by July next year. Overall, our delegation sees this summit as having been very productive and a big success.

QUESTION: Continuing with the subject of the SCO summit, I want to clarify some of the bilateral talks’ results. In particular, did you reach any new agreements with China, and how did the trilateral meeting go with the presidents of China and Mongolia?

VLADIMIR PUTIN: We held this first ever trilateral meeting at Mongolia’s initiative. Excuse me for not mentioning this before. We agreed that we will continue meeting in this format. Russia proposed that we meet in trilateral format on the sidelines of SCO summits, all the more so as Mongolia is an observer country in the SCO and regularly attends the summits.

We have plenty to discuss of course in this trilateral format. Our natural geographical proximity and Mongolia’s geographical location between its two biggest trade and economic partners – China on one side and Russia on the other – can encourage us into carrying out many joint projects, especially in infrastructure and the energy sector. These are all things that we discussed.

Again, acting on Mongolia’s proposal, we also agreed that we will perhaps raise the level of our regularly functioning political instrument. The three countries’ representatives meet regularly at the level of ministerial department heads. We agreed to raise this level to that of say deputy minister or perhaps even minister.

We have an immense amount of work to do with our Chinese partners too. This includes work in the energy sector, machine building, aircraft manufacturing, and military technical cooperation. We went over our entire bilateral agenda, highlighted some things in particular, and agreed on what needs to be pushed through at the political level. Overall, we are happy at the way our relations with China are developing.

QUESTION: The European Union has adopted a new package of sanctions. How do you assess them and how damaging will they be for Russia? Will there be any countermeasures, sanctions in response, and if so, what will they be? The new sanctions list the EU has announced includes politicians from Crimea, Donetsk and Lugansk peoples republics, and State Duma deputies too. [Vladimir] Zhirinovsky is on the list and so is [Vladimir] Vasiliyev. What are your thoughts on the matter?

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Russia’s position on sanctions is well-known. We have long since realised that sanctions as a foreign policy instrument are not very effective and almost never produce the hoped-for results, even when used against small countries, let alone against a country like Russia.

Of course, imposing sanctions always causes some damage, including for those who impose them. The sanctions against Russia will be no exception. We know the losses that European business and US business too will face and the damage done to trade relations as a result of the measures Russia has taken in response, but as we say in such cases, we have been left with no choice.

As for the latest round of sanctions, the use of this mechanism looks somewhat strange, even in a generally strange situation. I say this because, as you know, I had a telephone conversation with President of Ukraine [Petro] Poroshenko recently, and following on from that conversation I proposed an action plan for setting the conflict on track towards a peaceful settlement.

I even said at that moment in Ulan Bator, talking about these plans, that President Poroshenko and I were generally in agreement in our positions. Building on that conversation, I put forward a seven-point plan, which, as we saw, essentially became the base of the peace agreements signed at the contact group’s meeting in Minsk.

We are pleased to see that the process did begin and that hostilities have stopped, the militia have ceased hostilities and the Ukrainian army, to give the Ukrainian President his due, has also taken the required steps under the agreements. They have pulled back, in some places at least, and have pulled back their artillery and multiple launch rocket systems to a distance from where they cannot fire on populated areas.

The peace process has begun and so have the first contacts, and I think that the possibility has emerged that this process might produce a political settlement, even if just a temporary one for now. This is definitely a positive shift in the situation that has unfolded in southeast Ukraine.

But I cannot fathom what these latest sanctions are actually about. Perhaps it is not to someone’s liking that the process has taken a peaceful turn? I have already said many times that our Western partners pushed things towards an anti-constitutional coup in Kiev, and then supported the military operations in southeast Ukraine, and now, just when the situation has taken a turn towards a peaceful settlement, they are taking steps that practically aim to disrupt this peace process. Why are they doing this? 

I can’t help but think the seditious thought that no one actually cares about Ukraine itself. They are just using Ukraine as an instrument to shake up international relations. Ukraine is being used as an instrument and has been made hostage to the desire of some players on the international stage to revive NATO say, not so much even as a military organisation, but as a key instrument in US foreign policy, in order for the US to consolidate its satellites and scare them with a threat from abroad. But if this is the case, this is a real shame because it means that Ukraine has essentially become hostage to another’s interests. I do not see anything good in this practice.

As for our retaliatory measures, the Government is considering this. But if they are applied, then they will only be applied with the goal of creating better conditions for us. I feel there are certainly downsides to what was done to limit food imports for us as well, but they are minimal. There are far more positives for stimulating the development of our own agriculture, freeing the market from Western manufacturers that have thoroughly assimilated in our market, and meanwhile, they receive much more support and subsidies at a much higher volume than our agricultural producers.

Some people know, and others don’t, that subsidies per hectare of cultivated lands in the European Union are six times greater – I want to stress this – than in the Russian Federation. So the competition here was not very fair. But if the Government comes up with an idea that will help us somehow resolve our internal problems, then I suppose we should agree with it. But we will not do anything to harm ourselves. This concerns our response to sanctions.

As for the lists, I welcome this resolution by the European Union. The less our officials and heads of major companies go abroad and work on pressing matters instead, the better. The same is true of State Duma deputies, who need to communicate more frequently with their voters, rather than tanning somewhere at foreign resorts. Nevertheless, some questions arise; there are some names there that seem rather strange. I do not recall, I think it was one of the deputies, I think it was Babakov. And then the wording there…

REPLY: For assets.

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Yes, for assets in Ukraine and in Crimea. But Ukraine’s current leadership also has many assets in Ukraine and in Crimea. Apparently, if you follow this logic further, they themselves need to be included in the sanctions list.

Moreover, it included the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic. Our Western and Ukrainian partners insisted that officials from the self-proclaimed republics participate in the peace negotiation process. They came to us requesting that we use our influence to encourage them to participate.

We tried to do this. The prime minister is participating in this work and was accepted as a participant in the negotiations. But then they included him on the sanctions list. What is this, another attempt to somehow disrupt this peace process? Or what? What is this?

I would not want to think so. But there is certainly no logic in this whatsoever. And overall, you know, I am against these types of things – tit for tat, if they are not letting somebody in then we are not letting somebody in. We invite them to our nation; let them come and work. We are not going to refuse anyone. It is not even our choice. We will not follow that path. But if somebody does not want to work with us, there will always be alternatives.

QUESTION: You said that you will not do anything to harm Russia with these sanctions; nevertheless, the limitations in food imports have already led to increased prices.

VLADIMIR PUTIN: You apparently got a little distracted, because I stated that certain aspects of this are undoubtedly negative. But if we look at the problem comprehensively, there are more positives than negatives.

QUESTION: Yesterday, your aide said that [limitations] might involve cars, pharmaceuticals and…

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Listen. I am not getting involved in such technical work at this phase. It is true that the Cabinet is currently thinking this over, preparing certain suggestions. If my colleagues in the Cabinet come to the conclusion that a specific set of steps correspond to the interests of our economy, then we will do it. And if it’s just about showing off how tough we are, just to snap back and then to suffer damage as a result of that, we will not do it.

Ultimately, I wanted to convey our approach; as for the concrete steps that will be taken, if they are taken at all, we will see. Let the Cabinet think about it and make suggestions.

Thank you very much.

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Answers to Journalists' Questions, President of Russia website, September 12, 2014

Steinmeier: Six Rules for Europe

The German Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, spoke at the Ambassadors Conference in Paris on August 29, 2014. In preliminary remarks, he thanked his host, Laurent Fabius, and praised the durability of the Franco-German alliance. He then went on to enumerate six rules (or "hypotheses") for Europe. 

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Excellencies, Europe is currently faced with issues which are key to its future. We have the European elections behind us, we’re saying good bye to one EU Commission and welcoming a new one which will have to tackle major challenges.So it makes sense for this panel to turn its attention to the big question: what direction should Europe take in the next five years?However, we all know that we can’t look at this major question on its own. For these issues come at a time when Europe faces an almost overwhelming number of threats: Ukraine and Russia, Gaza, Syria and the perilous situation in northern Iraq, to name just those crises which are taking up most of our attention at present.To use an image: we cannot get the good ship Europe out of the water to refurbish it in a shipyard. Rather, we have to secure Europe and make it seaworthy while out in the high seas and in the eye of the storm.If you were to ask Laurent and myself about Europe’s future today, then we would reply from the ship’s machine room with, as it were, our sleeves rolled up.From this practical perspective, I want today to outline – as succinctly as possible – six hypotheses about Europe and about the role of Germany and France.

My first hypothesis is that the way in which we respond to these crises will shape Europe for years to come. These responses will certainly not only shape Europe’s foreign policy but Europe as a whole, its position in the world and how it perceives itself.For we have long since known that if we – by that I mean Germany, France and its neighbours – want to protect ourselves and be a “force formatrice” in this world, we can only achieve it together.The current threats make that all the clearer. To date, we Europeans have taken a united stand and that’s only right: we’ve just made a joint decision to support the Kurds in northern Iraq against the murderous ISIS gangs.I believe that if we stick together and act intelligently then historians will one day look back and say: these foreign policy crises fostered integration in Europe’s foreign policy, just as the financial and monetary crisis fostered a more integrated European economic policy.

My second hypothesis is that the mark of European foreign policy isn’t identical interests but, rather, our absolute determination to ultimately stand together and take joint action.This determination to stand united is the heartbeat of the European Union. France and Germany have forged it – despite differing interests and despite the scars left by history.Europe’s determination to stand united is being especially tested by the Ukraine crisis. Naturally, European countries have very different historical relations with Russia. For some in the West, Russia is a fairly distant trading partner, but for many in the East, it remains in their memory as the country which oppressed them for decades. And for Germany – with its divided history – it’s a bit of both.Just a few weeks ago, I addressed the Ambassadors Conference of our friends in Poland. There I said that despite all the different experiences in Europe, we all – whether we be Poles, Germans or French – share the conviction that Europe’s peaceful order is our greatest achievement since the dark chapters of the 20th century. What’s more, we will defend it together – with pressure on the one hand and political offers on the other, just as we have done, and will continue to do, in close Franco‑German coordination in the Foreign Affairs Council, in the Weimar Triangle, in the “Normandy Four” group and in other initiatives.

My third thesis is that European foreign policy means a division of labour.This begins with a joint analysis but it includes taking pragmatic and joint action: whenever and wherever we can achieve something, always with the partners and resources that can help us do this.This division of labour doesn’t mean: to each his own and every man for himself!The idea is not: Germany understands Russia and France understands Africa, so Germany should deal with the East and France with the South. That’s not how it works!German foreign policy makers are aware that Africa is a neighbouring continent with huge opportunities, as well as very concrete threats. Whether Africa really is, as some suspect, the “Asia of the 21st century” in economic terms, isn’t clear yet. However, we know today that a new middle class in Africa is heading towards a better future, that in terms of population numbers alone, Africa is set to double its weight to two billion people by 2050. On the other hand, there’s a danger that fragile statehood, radical Islamism and conflicts over scarce resources will ignite new crises and flows of refugees. Europe cannot be indifferent to this.That’s why we have a joint, a European strategic interest in Africa and we have to pursue it together – each country with its own approach and its own strengths.Despite all of this, the differences between Germany, France and the other European partners don’t represent a weakness. On the contrary, if we put our specific capabilities, traditions, tools and channels of communication to use, then these differences will be transformed into a strength. Then European foreign policy will be more than the sum of many small parts.

My fourth hypothesis is that European foreign policy needs all 28.In the debate inflamed by populist forces, people are too quick to ask: can’t there be a Europe without Britain?My response is: can there be a European foreign policy without Britain? Definitely not!Take the Gaza conflict, for example. The E3 – France, Germany and Britain – have put concrete proposals for Europe’s contribution to peace on the table. The E3 play a crucial role in the negotiations with Iran on its nuclear programme. And, not least, Britain is crucial to an alliance which continues to be Europe’s most important: the alliance across the Atlantic.

My fifth hypothesis is that Europe’s foreign policy needs the entire toolbox of diplomacy.I asked at the start of my second term of office as German Foreign Minister: what responsibilities does German foreign policy have, are we setting the right priorities, are we acting quickly enough and what instruments do we have in our toolbox?We can ask similar questions about Europe: are we really using all the instruments in the toolbox, from the long‑term stabilisation of economies and the rule of law to acute crisis management? Are we quick enough?Are we using our resources in an optimal manner?In the Review 2014 process I launched within the Federal Foreign Office, we’ve taken a conscious decision to look beyond Germany and are seeking inspiration from our friends and partners in order to find the answers to these questions.Naturally, we’re also looking to France. For France has long since been a consummate player in the diplomatic arena: bilaterally, in a regional context and at a global level, as France’s active role in the United Nations shows.You manage time and again, Laurent, to adapt your toolbox in keeping with the times.On the one hand, that applies to issues as, for example, illustrated by the intensive manner in which you have dealt with the major questions of the future – energy and the climate – here in the Quai, quite concretely the 2015 climate summit, in the preparation of which we want to cooperate closely. Or the importance which you attach to the promotion of foreign trade and investment, economic diplomacy.On the other hand, it applies to processes – including more technical things, such as diplomatic telegrams. Le Monde has called your new information system a “Facebook for diplomats”. If you will allow me to remain with this image, I would press the “like” button in recognition of this courage to adopt new practices.

For my sixth and last hypothesis, I want to look inwards from the outside.If we foreign policy makers call for Europe to play a greater role in the world, then we also have to look inside Europe itself. Which is to say, Europe needs an internal structure that allows it to take action externally. Firstly, this means that we need the highest possible degree of European coordination in all the major issues we face at international level: from climate and energy policy to data protection and rules for the Internet. If we can’t formulate common European approaches to these issues, then we have no chance of doing so at global level.However, I’m talking about more than issues:Europe’s internal structure needs to preserve everything that makes Europe a strong player in the international arena. What makes Europe attractive in people’s eyes?I believe it’s the unique European model which combines both freedom and cohesion, the market economy and the welfare state, competitiveness and social justice. These are the two sides of the European coin.Managing to strike this balance time and again is the main challenge not only for individual governments – most certainly for the French Government in these turbulent times – but also for the next EU Commission.

So far, so good. I know that six hypotheses are one more than the ideal essay comprises, or at least that’s what is taught at the ENA ... Perhaps we can get rid of one in the course of our discussion. I’m looking forward to the debate with you!

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Speech by Foreign Minister Steinmeier at the Ambassadors Conference in Paris, Federal Foreign Office, August 29, 2014

Kiev Church Leader: Putin Looking at Eternal Damnation

This statement by the leader of Kiev’s Orthodox Church was posted in English, Russian, and Ukrainian on the website of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Kiev Patricharate:

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And Cain said to Abel his brother: [let’s go to the field]. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? He said: I do not know; Am I my brother's keeper?  Genesis 4: 8-9

Dear brothers and sisters, all people of good will!

With great regret I have to say now publicly that among the rulers of this world upon the fact of baptism, belonging to the Orthodox Church, appeared a real new Cain - not by name, but by deeds.

These matters indicate that the abovementioned governor as the first in the history fratricide Cain, came under the action of Satan.

From the Holy Scriptures, we know that two great sins, murder and lie are in close unity with each other, as the ruler and the inspiratior of both is the devil. Therefore, anyone who indulges in these sins, according to the Savior, has the devil as his father, "your father is the devil; and you want to fulfill the lusts of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies "(John 8:44).

"From everyone to whom much is given, much will be required, and who has been entrusted with more will be asked" - says the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:48). A lot of power was given into the hands of the abovementioned ruler, but both the world and we are witnessing the fact that he drew this power not on good deeds, but on evil.

It was at his behest that the media in his country day and night in many languages spread cynical lie about Ukraine, sow enmity against the Ukrainian people, and against our desire to be independent and build our own sovereign state, they provoke bloodshed and murder in the Donbass.

He says outright and blatant lies: organizing and sending killers mercenaries to our country, speaks of "internal conflict", to which he allegedly is not involved; sending to Ukraine his troops, he publicly states that these forces are not present there. At the time when in Ukraine the perished soldiers, defenders of the Fatherland are buried as heroes, the soldiers of his country, who died in the Donbas, are buried secretly, carefully concealing the truth about the circumstances of their death.

This ruler is cynically lying, saying that his country is not a party to the conflict in Ukraine - although he did everything in order to foment the conflict and maintain it.

Numerous victims are the consequence of his actions. In recent months, soldiers are killed every day and volunteers, who protect Ukraine from the aggressor, which loves to call himself our brother. The fighting affects millions of civilians and tens of thousands are forced to flee from war, hundreds were killed. Cities and villages of the Donbass turn into ruins.

Seeing this, and as the Patriarch, being responsible before God for the Orthodox Ukrainian people, I affirm that the greatest blame for all this lies on the abovementioned governor. In his will and power is to immediately stop the bloodshed and death, but it is for the sake of his pride he continues to multiply evil. He calls himself a brother to the Ukrainian people, but in fact according to his deeds, he really became the new Cain, shedding the brotherly blood and entangling the whole world with lies.

His lie is misleading some people, and they think that in fact this ruler protects traditional spiritual and moral values ??from the ravages of globalization. But the fruit of his actions, which the Gospel calls us to evaluate, suggest otherwise.

Therefore, to the tempted with lies, and especially to the Orthodox, both in Ukraine and all over the world, I recall the words of the Savior: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. So by their fruits ye shall know them "(Matthew 7: 15-20).

Calls for this ruler and his minions have already been sounded many times publicly - to think again, to stop sowing evil and death, to repent. But it seems that he remains deaf to these appeals and only multiplies evil, because satan went into him, as into Judas Iscariot.

However, relying on God's mercy to all sinners, yet we maintain hope on repentance of this ruler and refer to him the call of millions of people:” Stop, cease the multiplication of lies and murder, come to your senses!

For your actions you separate yourself from the Orthodox Church and God, doom yourself to an ignominious end of this life and eternal damnation in hell - in the life of the future world. For all the blood that was shed at your will, and the evil done by your order, your punishment will be the same as the punishment of the liar and fratricide Cain - the curse and eternal damnation.

If you do not repent, the words of Scripture will be fulfilled on you: "He loved cursing, so - and it will come to him; delighted not in blessing, - and it is from him; He clothed cursing as with a garment, so let it come out like water, into his bowels and like oil into his bones; let it be unto him as the garment which he dresses like a belt tied forever around him. Such is the reward of my adversaries from the LORD, and speaking evil against my soul "(Psalm 108: 17-20). From this penalty you can be saved only by sincere repentance, confirmed by deeds, not by flattering words of church hierarchy dependent on you, headed by the Patriarch of the country led by you.”

Also I call on the faithful in Ukraine to pray for a fair trial and a worthy nemesis from God to this ruler. Do not be afraid of his power - because in comparison with the power of God, it is nothing, and though his heart became cruel, as the heart of the ancient Pharaoh, but the end of his strength is close.

Remember, brothers and sisters, the words of Scripture, and let your heart not doubt that the truth and power of God will win the latest Cain and the new Pharaoh, from slavery to which the Lord brings Ukraine out. "As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them: and they were sore afraid, and the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it is better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still - and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom you see today you will never see them again forever The Lord will fight for you, and you do not worry "(Exodus 14, 10-14).

I call on God's blessing to Ukraine and our pious people!

Filaret, Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine, New Cain, Ukrainian Orthodox Church, September 5, 2014

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The following news report from Reuters first drew my attention to the speech.  

President Vladimir Putin has fallen under the spell of Satan and faces eternal damnation unless he repents, a top Ukrainian clergyman said on Saturday in an unusually blunt statement that squarely blamed the Russian leader for the war in Ukraine.

Patriarch Filaret heads the Kiev Patriarchate, a branch of the Orthodox Church that broke away from Moscow in 1992 after the fall of the Soviet Union and the declaration of an independent Ukraine.

His church, a rival of the Moscow Patriarchate which is closely linked to Putin, strongly supports Ukrainian nationhood and the Kiev government's struggle to defeat pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

"With great regret I must now say publicly that among the rulers of this world ... there has appeared a new Cain, not by his name but by his deeds," Patriarch Filaret said, invoking the Biblical character who killed his brother Abel.

"Like the first fratricide of history Cain, these deeds show that the afore-mentioned ruler has fallen under the action of Satan," he said in the statement, published on the patriarchate's website in Ukrainian, Russian and English. (here)

The statement, entitled "New Cain", was released on the first full day of a ceasefire between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels. At least 2,600 people have died in fighting in eastern Ukraine since it erupted in April.

Putin is a baptized Orthodox Christian and has forged close ties with Russia's Orthodox Church, seeing it as a valuable ally in his battle with what he sees as a decadent Western world.

Filaret, who recently took over the Kiev patriarchate, said Putin had deliberately stoked the conflict in Ukraine by sending mercenaries, troops and weapons across the border and had spread lies via Russia's mass media about what was really happening.

Putin denies sending Russian troops into Ukraine or arming the separatists, despite what Kiev and its Western backers say is overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

"This ruler is cynically lying, saying his country is not a party to the conflict in Ukraine, though he did everything in order to foment the conflict and maintain it," said Filaret.

"He calls himself a brother to the Ukrainian people, but in fact according to his deeds, he has really become the new Cain, shedding the brotherly blood and entangling the whole world with lies," Filaret said.

Filaret urged the Orthodox faithful to pray that Putin would "come to his senses". Otherwise, the patriarch added, he would face "an ignominious end and eternal damnation in hell".

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Garth Jones, “Putin is under Satan’s influence: leader of Kiev Orthodox Church,” Reuters, September 6, 2014.

Ukraine PM Yatsenyuk Rejects Putin Plan

Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine, rejects Putin's seven-point plan: 

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"Seven points" suggested by the Russian President, allegedly to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, remarkably imply the plan of salvation for the Russian terrorists. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk announced.

"This is yet another "plan" - an attempt to confuse the international community before the NATO Summit and a try to avoid the inevitable decisions of the European Union on imposing a new wave of sanctions against Russia", - said the PM.

“A real plan of Putin is destruction of Ukraine and resumption of the USSR,” he emphasized.

According to the Prime Minister, we feel no trust in any plan of the Russian president: “All previously approved by Russia understandings – in Geneva, Normandy, Berlin, Minsk – were just ignored or violated blatantly by the Russian regime”.

“The best plan to stop war of Russia against Ukraine can be comprised of the only point: Russia withdraws their regular troops, mercenaries and terrorists from Ukrainian territory. Then peace will be reinstated in Ukraine,” the Head of Government highlighted. 

“We expect decisions of the NATO and the European Union how to stop the aggressor,” Arseniy Yatsenyuk declared.

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Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk:"Seven points" by Putin is an attempt to freeze the conflict in Ukraine's East, Web-Portal of Ukrainian Government, September 3, 2014

Putin's Seven Point Plan

From the President of Russia website, detailing Putin's conversation with Ukraine President Petro Poroshekno: 

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QUESTION: Mr President, you spoke with Mr Poroshenko today. The Ukrainian authorities initially announced that you had agreed on a complete ceasefire, but then explanations came that what is under discussion are concrete steps for settling the situation, which is understandable, given that Russia is not a party to this conflict. If there was discussion of concrete steps, what are they, and what will happen next? 

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Yes, I did speak with President Poroshenko this morning, and it seemed to me at any rate that our views on how to settle the conflict are very close, as the diplomats say.

On the way here from Blagoveshchensk to Ulan Bator, I jotted down a few thoughts that could constitute an action plan of sorts. True, I have only these notes that I jotted down, but I can read them to you if you want.

In order to stop the bloodshed and stabilise the situation in southeast Ukraine, I believe that the parties to the conflict should immediately agree on and coordinate the following steps:

First, end active offensive operations by armed forces, armed units and militia groups in southeast Ukraine in the Donetsk and Lugansk areas.

Second, withdraw Ukrainian armed forces units to a distance that would make it impossible to fire on populated areas using artillery and all types of multiple launch rocket systems.

Third, allow for full and objective international monitoring of compliance with the ceasefire and monitoring of the situation in the safe zone created by the ceasefire.

Fourth, exclude all use of military aircraft against civilians and populated areas in the conflict zone.

Fifth, organise the exchange of individuals detained by force on an ‘all for all’ basis without any preconditions.

Sixth, open humanitarian corridors for refugees and for delivering humanitarian cargoes to towns and populated areas in Donbass – Donetsk and Lugansk Regions.

Seventh, make it possible for repair brigades to come to damaged settlements in the Donbass region in order to repair and rebuild social facilities and life-supporting infrastructure and help the region to prepare for the winter. 

I think that the Kiev authorities and the representatives of southeast Ukraine could come to basic agreements and cement them at the contact group’s planned meeting on September 5.

I want to note that this statement and all I just said follow on from the telephone conversation with President Poroshenko that you asked about. I hope very much that Ukraine’s government will support the emerging progress in bilateral relations and make use of the positive opportunity the contact group’s work provides to bring about final and comprehensive settlement to the situation in southeast Ukraine, in full and unconditional respect for the lawful rights of those who live there of course.  

That is all I have to say. I have nothing to add. Thank you.

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Answers to journalists’ questions following a working visitto Mongolia, President of Russia website, 

September 3, 2014,