I am convinced we shall succeed. I have faith in this country, because I have faith in its people.

Germany must be a country which generates political ideas and leadership, which is capable of compromise, which is sovereign and yet knows that it needs its partners on both sides of the Atlantic.

The fact that other people are worse off than us is certainly cold comfort for those in Germany who have to count every cent.

After a Polish Pope, whose country was first to be invaded by the Germans in World War Two, we now have someone from the generation drafted at the close of the war.

Responsibility and respect of others and their religious beliefs are also part of freedom.

Korea's early repayment of the full amount of loans from the IMF is a major milestone.