I think it was a big mistake by the chancellor to take a position before he saw the (U.N.) inspectors' report. That isolated Germany.

The precondition is…the recognition that we, as the bigger partner, name the Chancellor.

You have failed in this question. That's why you are in such a difficult position.

We believe that we are going into the final phase of this election campaign in an excellent position. We feel well-equipped.

On the one hand, the financial projection is on the agenda - we will see if this problem can be resolved or not. I think it is a right idea to stage a special summit, which would deal with the question of priorities of European politics.

As a 7-year-old child, I saw the Wall being erected. No one - although it was a stark violation of international law - believed at the time that one ought to intervene militarily in order to protect citizens of the GDR and whole Eastern bloc, of the consequences of that - namely, to live in lack of freedom for many, many years.