You Should Know...
Germany’s new federal government has an international affairs team that includes both new and some familiar faces. The Christian Democrats and Liberals have made appointments to the foreign, defense, and economic development ministries. Here IP-Global Edition introduces the personnel involved in Germany’s foreign policies.
Hans-Ulrich Klose, Coordinator of German-American Cooperation
On April 1, 2010 Hans-Ulrich Klose became Coordinator of German-American Cooperation. Experienced in transatlantic relations, Klose has held the positions of Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the German-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group since 2002 and 2003 respectively.
Gernot Erler, Chair of the Parliamentary Group on Foreign Affairs
Gernot Erler has been a member of the Social Democrats (SPD) since 1970 and has now represented Freiburg in the Bundestag seven times between 1987 to 2009. He has recently taken the position of Deputy Chairman in the fields of foreign relations, international security, development, and human rights policy.
Martin Kobler, Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan
German diplomat Martin Kobler, formerly head of the culture division in the foreign office, has been named the new No. 2 man for the UN mission in Afghanistan.
Peter Gottwald, Federal Government Commissioner for Disarmament and Arms Control
As Federal Government Commissioner for Disarmament and Arms Control since 2008, Ambassador Peter Gottwald’s top priorities include arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation. He supports the proposals presented by President Obama for disarmament initiatives and argues in favor of regional security treaties in order to achieve "Global Zero," an initiative to reduce arms, specifically nuclear weapons. His primary tasks include intensive contact with the UN, close interaction with EU member states on foreign policy issues, and the coordination the implementation of national agreements, such as the TNP (Treaty on Non-proliferation).
Günter Nooke, Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid
Former East German human rights activist, Günter Nooke, is Germany’s Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid at the Federal Foreign Office, a position he has held since March 2006.
Bernd Mützelburg, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
In February 2009, Bernd Mützelburg was named the German government's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. His primary responsibilities are to foster Germany’s diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan and Pakistan and prepare the Afghanistan Conference scheduled to take place in late January 2010.
Maria Böhmer, Commissioner for Migration, Refugees, and Integration
Christian Democrat Maria Böhmer is returning to her post as Minister of State in Angela Merkel’s federal chancellery and as the government’s Commissioner for Migration, Refugees, and Integration. She has held both positions since 2005. She declared integration as a top priority topic for the new government. "Today we're fighting with the failings of the past," she said.
Rainer Brüderle, Minister of Economics and Technology
Longtime top FDP man from Rhineland takes over Germany's Ministry of Economics and Technology. He will focus on job creation through better education and research.
