Merkel indicated that she was satisfied with the recent decision taken by EU foreign ministers in connection with the ongoing accession negotiations with Turkey, saying she hopes this will generate new movement towards resolving the Cyprus conflict.
She added that at her meeting last week with Secretary-General-designate Ban Ki-Moon she proposed reactivating the UN process aimed at resolving the Cyprus conflict.
EU presidency
Merkel warned against exaggerated expectations with regard to what the German EU presidency can achieve. "In six months time we won't be able to solve all the problems that need to be addressed by the European Union. It would be nice if we could manage to move some things forward and to solve a few things here and there," Merkel said.
She named as important points the partnership agreement with Russia, the EU-America summit, climate change issues, the status of Kosovo, and celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome.
G8 presidency
Economic issues that will be on the agenda during the G8 presidency include currency value imbalances and the need for greater transparency of capital markets, particularly with regard to new instruments such as hedge funds.
Even though the G8 is not a body that makes binding decisions, an agreement among the G8 members can generate significant international impetus, Merkel noted.
Pressure on Iran
Merkel expressed strong support for efforts to obtain a UN Security Council resolution that would impose sanctions on Iran, adding that she hopes Russian and China will be open to this approach. At the same time she emphasized the need to leave the door open for negotiations with Iran.
The Association of the Foreign Press in Germany (VAP) was founded in 1906 with the aim of improving working conditions for international journalists who live and work in Germany. The oldest association of its kind in Germany, it currently has 425 members from 61 countries. With their reports foreign correspondents help to bridge barriers between cultures and play a key role in shaping Germany's image abroad.