I have every reason, despite the resentment and exasperation, to be proud. I have nothing better to be proud of than being proud of German unity.

George Bush was for me the most important ally on the road to German unity.

George Bush was for me the most important ally on the road to German unity,

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.

Where is Germany now and where does it want to go? It's a question being asked by our partners and allies abroad. We have to return - urgently - to our old dependability. We have to make clear for others what we stand for, where we're headed, and that we know where we belong.