I have been underestimated for decades. I have done very well that way.

I have made a very good living, for more than 30 years, by being underestimated.

You didn't just pay lip service to the goal of overcoming the division of Europe and Germany... Rather, you put yourself at the forefront of those who encouraged us on the way to unity.

We Germans have learned from history. We are a peace-loving, freedom-loving people. There is only one place for us in the world: at the side of the free nations.

The army is under orders to defend every place,

For me it is completely clear that our air bases in Germany would be available to the Americans,