Diplomatisches Magazin

Backward Roll in Iran?

Dear Readers,

The Vienna nuclear deal came into effect over three years ago. After months of groundwork, more than 250 negotiators from the P5+1 (the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France plus Germany) and Iran agreed upon the monitoring of Teheran’s nuclear programme until 2025. Yet cracks soon appeared in the deal when Donald Trump was elected US President. Since the US withdrawal from the agreement a year ago, the threat of a nuclear conflict is once again imminent as Iran, too, no longer wishes to comply with all of its commitments. It is such a shame about the many years of hard work the former negotiators put in.

This time we are presenting Kosovo, a country which does not yet enjoy de facto status, i.e. is not recognised by all United Nations states. However, the fact that 116 of 193 countries have recognised it makes it clear which direction things are moving in. The Western Balkan state has been able to show substantial economic growth in the last few years after gaining independence in 2008. The Kosovan ambassador H.E. Beqë Cufaj stresses that, alongside international recognition, the country’s second major goal is being accepted into the EU. Moreover, he speaks of the potential of the nation’s young people and of its rich natural resources.

Furthermore, this edition features interviews with Bulgaria’s foreign secretary, Ekaterina Sachariewa, as well as Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi, Secretary General of “Ghorfa”, the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Berlin. We are also introducing “Football for Friendship”, an international children’s social programme in which football brings together young people from around the world. Finally, we are reporting on the 20-year anniversary of “Welcome to Berlin” and the visit from the president of Cape Verde, H.E. Jorge Carlos Fonseca. I hope you enjoy this issue.

Dr. Irene Ernst, Publisher and CEO