Programs and Events
Selected Events 2006
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December 2006
At the residence, Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue talk about their Christmas experience in a short video. They express their appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate the holidays in Germany and how much they enjoy visiting German Christmas markets. The Timkens point out that for them Christmas is also a time for sharing with people who are less fortunate and they also thank people who are thinking of military families during this time of year. They briefly introduce the American-style Christmas decorations at their home in Berlin as well.
The Deputy Chief of Mission Koenig, and Mrs. Natalie Koenig join the Timkens with a Christmas message in German and English. They recall the many different styles of Christmas celebrations they have participated in while living in different parts of the world during 20 years of life in the Foreign Service. This year, they are looking forward to spending the holidays with a traditional German-style Christmas.
Ambassador Timken, Mrs. Sue Timken, Deputy Chief of Mission Koenig, and Mrs. Natalie Koenig wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Video (WindowsMedia) Message from Ambassador and Mrs. Timken | Message from John and Natalie Koenig
Audio (MP3) Message from Ambassador and Mrs. Timken | Message from John and Natalie Koenig
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December 21, 2006.
Secretary of the Treasury Henry M. Paulson, Jr., met with his German counterpart, Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück, at the Finance Ministry in Berlin to discuss issues related to the upcoming G7 meetings and German economic outlook and reforms. Subsequent to their meeting, Secretary Paulson met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Chancellery to discuss key policy issues of shared interest related to the transatlantic partnership.
See also: Remarks by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson on the Competitiveness of U.S. Capital Markets (more)
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December 15, 2006.
The Youth Library at the America Memorial Library branch celebrated its 10th anniversary in December 2006. The Youth Library is a meeting point for young people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds, providing many opportunities to read, play, learn and grow. In honor of the library’s anniversary, Natalie Koenig, wife of Deputy Chief of Mission John Koenig, presented the library with books selected from First Lady Laura Bush’s list of favorite youth titles. Mrs. Koenig and youth librarian Karen Groening also read from selected titles in English and German for a class from the Galileo School in Berlin-Kreuzberg. (more)
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December 5, 2006.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations Kristen Silverberg participated in a roundtable at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin December 5 with representatives of the German and international media to discuss a broad range of UN-related issues, such as Iran, Darfur, Syria's role in the Middle East, and UN reform. Assistant Secretary Silverberg emphasized U.S. support for the EU draft UN Security Council resolution on Iran, stressing that "an Iran with nuclear weapons would pose a major threat to international security." In addition, she pointed out American and German support for action to stop the killing in Darfur, U.S. disappointment so far with UN reform efforts, and the need for Syria to play a positive role in the Middle East. (more)
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December 1, 2006.
Ambassador Timken participated in a brief ceremony at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to commemorate the American soldiers who stood guard there during the years of the Berlin Wall, 1961–1989. The museum has an annual tradition of lighting a Christmas tree to remember the sacrifices made by Allied troops for the freedom of Berlin during the Cold War and, by extension, to signal hope for a future of freedom around the world. (more)
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November 23, 2006.
Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue served a Thanksgiving dinner to homeless people at the Berliner Stadtmission at its Hauptbahnhof center on November 23, 2006. Following an American tradition, the Ambassador and Mrs. Timken personally served five large stuffed turkeys to their homeless guests on the occasion of Thanksgiving. Employees of the U.S. Embassy and the Ambassador's residence helped to prepare and serve the dinner. It was the second time the U.S. Ambassador hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for homeless people.
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November 17, 2006.
Deputy Assistant Secretary David Kramer did an on-the-record roundtable with 8 German and international reporters to discuss his visit to Germany, addressing topics such as Russia's relations with its neighbors, Iran, Kosovo, Belarus, Moldova, and German-Russian relations. With regard to Iran, he pointed out that "no one wants to see Iran with nuclear weapons," and that an "Iranian nuclear program is not in Russia's interest." "The U.S. and Russia need to come to agreement on a UNSC resolution as soon as possible." Referring to German-Russian relations, he added that the U.S. has "no concern about German-Russian ties", investment in Russian energy sector is a positive thing, and that Germany will continue to be a critical interlocutor for Russia. (more)
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November 14, 2006.
Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue welcomed high school students and their teachers to their residence for the kick-off event of the American German Business Club Berlin e.V.´s second annual high school business plan competition. The competition is intended to foster self-initiative and self confidence. Ambassador Timken encouraged the students to grasp the opportunities available and to take the initiative to shape their future. Club President Paul Kiefer noted that eighteen students participated in the first competition; and that last year´s first place winner has already received financing for his project. This year, over one hundred students, representative of the various backgrounds and cultures in Berlin, have expressed an interest in participating. (more)
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November 10, 2006.
Carter Revard’s poems and essays are about his Osage roots. They tell his story and his family’s story --and the story of his people. As he explained to students at a reading at the Hugo-Heimann Library in Berlin-Wedding, poems "leave tracks." Carter Revard was born in 1931 in the Osage Indian Agency town of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. He is of Osage, Ponca, Irish and Scotch-Irish heritage. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Tulsa after winning a scholarship on a radio quiz show. As one of the first American Indian Rhodes Scholars, Revard earned his master’s at Oxford in 1954 and a Ph.D. from Yale in 1959. A scholar and professor of medieval English literature, he did not begin to teach courses on American Indian literature and culture until 1973 amidst growing national awareness of American Indian peoples awakened by the political events of the early 1970s. (more)
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November 7, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and Mrs. Sue Timken receive a donation of 150,000 Euros from Mrs. Sue Harnett, CEO of Citibank's Consumer Bank Germany, on behalf of Citibank Privatkunden AG & Co. KGaA, for the U.S. Mission to Germany's "Windows on America" program. Begun in Spring 2006, "Windows on America" is a new initiative to provide opportunities for students of immigrant backgrounds who have been traditionally underrepresented in exchange programs between the United States and Germany. Students travel to the United States for a ten-day trip, visiting American cities such as New York, Washington, DC, and Des Moines, Iowa. While on this trip, the students are exposed to all aspects of American culture, school, and life by visiting American museums and monuments, touring American high schools, and participating in home stays with American families. As a public-private partnership initiative, "Windows on America" depends on contributions from sponsors such as Citibank. (more)
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November 4, 2006.
Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue attended a performance of an English-language musical at "MaDonna Maedchentreff", a Muslim girls’ center in Berlin’s multicultural district Neukoelln. This performance marked the official end of a three-week language teaching project, initiated by Mrs. Timken in which American composer and writer Todd Fletcher worked with the girls at the center on creating and developing a musical in English, with the aim to teach them the language in a fun and exciting way rather than in a typical classroom setting. 21 girls (and one boy) between the ages of 6 and 20 eagerly participated in this program and proudly presented what they have learned to the cheering crowd of approximately 40 family members and friends. (more)
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October 30, 2006.
The most recent group of participants in Mission Germany's "Windows on America" initiative met with a packed room of fellow high school students and journalists to discuss their exchange program in America. Ambassador William Timken welcomed the students back to Berlin, thanking the sponsors of this public-private partnership initiative, and expressed his hope that the opportunities and experiences the teens had gained through the program would motivate them through college and into their professional lives. The students spoke very enthusiastically about their impressions of American society and culture, and answered questions from their peers on topics ranging from high school life and religious freedom to food in America. This was the second group to travel through Mission Germany’s "Windows on America" program. The 30 students who attended the press conference were greatly impressed by the first-hand accounts of their peers, who began nearly every answer by saying "it isn’t like you see on TV." (more)
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October 27–30, 2006.
76 teachers of English, History and Social Science, among them several schoolbook writers and curriculum planners, met in Wittenberg to discuss historical, political, cultural and economic developments of the southern states. Keynote speaker John Boles of Rice University spread the wealth of lifelong research and provided the participants with a firm knowledge base serving as touchstone for all further contributions. Eva Boesenberg, Humboldt University, drew a line from post Civil War literary contributions to contemporary writing by discussing the achievements of leading southern voices such as Ernest Gaines, Alice Walker and Edward Ball. Political Scientist David Lublin, American University, presented research on the changing political landscape in the South. (more)
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October 27, 2006.
During a visit to Berlin on October 27, the chief environmental policy advisor to the President, James L. Connaughton, discussed U.S. climate change policy with representatives of the German government and other environmental experts. Speaking at an event at the Friedrich Ebert-Foundation on "Current Environmental and Energy Policy Issues in the United States and Germany," he explained the Bush Administration's National Energy Plan and Comprehensive Climate Strategy, putting it in the context of worldwide economic developments and international climate change efforts. He also addressed U.S. environmental objectives for the G-8 summit in Germany next year. (more)
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October 25, 2006.
During his visit to Berlin, Attorney General Gonzales met and had talks with German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries. Later he visited the German Parliament and delivered remarks to the German Marshall Fund. The Attorney General also met with senior German foreign editors to discuss U.S. detainee policies and spoke at the German Marshall Fund of the United States on the "Rule of Law in the War on Terror". He dealt with questions relating to the U.S. definition of torture, U.S.-German cooperation in the war on terror, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and their impact on American counterterrorism efforts; the Murat Kurnaz case; new U.S. legislation concerning military tribunals, and the German public's perceptions of the U.S. war against terror. (more)
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October 23, 2006.
Chief Environmental Policy advisor to the President, James L. Connaughton, spent a day in Frankfurt to discuss U.S. Environmental Policy with German media representatives, environmental experts, and the general public on October 23. He addressed the upcoming G-8 summit in Germany next year and explained the administration's National Energy Plan and Comprehensive Climate Strategy in an interview, a web chat, organized by the State Department, and at a luncheon hosted by Consul General Powell. As a member of the U.S. delegation, Mr. Connaughton was on his way to Helsinki, where the European Union and the United States of America will conduct a High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development on October 24-25. Mr. Connaughton will be in Berlin on Friday, October 27, for a full day of meetings and media activities. (more)
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October 19, 2006.
On October 19 Frankfurt's Consular Section held a press roundtable to inform journalists about upcoming visa regulations regarding children's passports (Kinderreisepässe). Children's passports issued on or after October 26, 2006 will require a visa for entry to the U.S. Those issued before October 26 will remain valid for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Therefore the U.S. Consulate advises German travelers, whose children might need new passports after October 25, to obtain regular German e-passports for their children. The journalists were also briefed on the worldwide requirement to use the electronic visa application form as of November 1 and on application procedures for the current Ambassador Nuland spent a full day in Berlin conducting interviews with German media. In her interview with news channel n-tv (video) she explained U.S. policy vis-à-vis Afghanistan and North Korea. In the afternoon, Ambassador Nuland was interviewed by a young journalist from the children's radio station "Radio Teddy," and gave an interview to Cicero magazine (read interview). (more)
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October 12, 2006.
At an event of the American Academy in Berlin, John B. Bellinger III talked about the current legal situation of detainees in Guantánamo. Trials will be held in the near future. The foundation for these military court trials is a new law recently passed by the U.S. Congress and based on the laws of war. President George W. Bush is to sign it next week, Bellinger said. This law aims at normalizing the status of the Guantánamo detainees but at the same time it gives the U.S. government new powers in dealing with terror suspects. John B. Bellinger is currently traveling in Europe to explain the position of the U.S. government. (more)
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October 10, 2006.
The topping-off ceremony for the new U.S. Embassy building at Pariser Platz took place on October 10, 2006, two years after the groundbreaking. The ceremony celebrated the structural completion of the building.
In addition to Ambassador Timken, Ronald Norby, Vice President of the Hensel Phelps International construction company, Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit, Georg Boomgarden, State Secretary of the German Foreign Office, and Wolfgang Eberspächer of the HSG Technischer Service GmbH delivered remarks. After the official toast the wreath was hoisted. (more)
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October 5, 2006.
On the invitation of the Heidelberg Center for American Studies (HCA), Ambassador Timken was the keynote speaker at a conference on "State and Market in a Globalized World: Transatlantic Perspectives" at the Arthotel in Heidelberg. Addressing over one hundred leading representatives of the business and academic commuinities in the Rhein-Neckar region, he shared his personal experience as a prominent American entrepreneur whose fortune 400 company had successfully met the challenges of an ever accelerating globalization process through flexibility and constant innovation. In his speech on "Globalization: How Germans and Americans Can Help Shape Global Systems" he also emphasized the continued importance of a strong transatlantic partnership to the benefit of the United States, Europe and the developing world. (more)
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October 4, 2006.
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was the keynote speaker at a ceremony at the Stuttgart opera house on October 4 commemorating the 60th anniversary of the September 1946 "Speech of Hope" in Stuttgart by then-Secretary of State James F. Byrnes. In that speech, the U.S. had signaled its intent to re-unify Germany (with or without Soviet cooperation) and that U.S. troops would remain in Germany as long as any foreign troops remained in the country. At the October 4 ceremony - attended by Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr., his wife Sue and 1,300 guests - all speakers including Chancelor Merkel (via video message from Berlin), Federal Minister Annette Schavan, Minister President Günther Oettinger and Lord Mayor Wolfgang Schuster underscored the indispensable nature of the German-American partnership. According to Dr. Kissinger, "no other foreign government leader receives more attention and respect in Washington than Chancellor Merkel." Talking about the threat of terrorism, Kissinger also pointed out that "the challenges of present times require a new form of cooperation between Germany and the United States". (more)
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September 28, 2006.
A broad cross-section of the diverse Muslim community in central Germany attended Ambassador Timken’s opening of the “American Mosques” exhibit at the Frankfurt City Library's international branch on September 28, 2006. The photos by MIT professor Omar Khalidi show the enormous ethnic diversity of Muslims in the U.S. and reflect the American tradition of religious tolerance and immigration.
Ambassador Timken called the exhibition "a wonderful way to observe Ramadan" and said he hopes visitors "will learn more about Muslims in America by seeing how American Muslims worship around the U.S." He underscored President Bush's message to the United Nations last week, in which the president underlined the tremendous respect Americans of all creeds have for Islam, and the commitment that Muslims make to faith, family, and education: "We look forward to learning more from each other in the years ahead through programs and exhibits like this." (more)
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September 25, 2006.
As part of the U.S. Embassy's return to its historic location on Pariser Platz in late 2007, U.S. Ambassador Timken officially returned Amerika Haus to the Berlin authorities. As this was the last event hosted by the U.S. Embassy in this building, the American Ambassador handed over a check for the creation of a digital library in cooperation with the Berlin City and Regional Library to Berlin’s governing mayor, Klaus Wowereit. (more)
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September 11, 2006.
A memorial service in honor of the victims of September 11, 2001, for invited guests was held at the American Church in Berlin. At the joint invitation of U.S. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and Mrs. Timken and the American Church in Berlin approximately 300 political, business, cultural and diplomatic representatives as well as family members of German victims honored the victims of the September 11 attacks five years ago at an ecumenical memorial service.
Remarks | Photo Gallery | Video (Windows | Real Player) | Memorial Service Program (more)
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September 7, 2006.
Five years have passed since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. On that day, nearly 3000 innocents from more than 90 different countries died horribly. We mourn all those who died. We also honor the spirit of the police officers, the firefighters and all those who stepped forward to respond with extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Their acts of heroism occupy a place of honor in our history and in our hearts. (more)
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September 7/8, 2006.
"The Coming of Age: Cultural Construction of Age(ing)" was the title of a conference organized by the Public Affairs Section in cooperation with the British Council and Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation on September 7 and 8, 2006. Margaret Gullette from Brandeis University, Kathleen Woodward from the University of Washington and Kate de Medeiros from the Copper Ridge Institute were among the international scholars who presented their cutting-edge research and their work in the field. (more)
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August 3, 2006.
Ambassador and Mrs. Timken along with Cultural Affairs Attaché Claussen participated in the opening performance of the cultural and youth outreach project “Dances for the Blue House” taking place in the southwest German cities of Breisach and Freiburg since mid-July. The Blue House in Breisach was the center of the city’s local Jewish community before its destruction during the Holocaust. Jonathan Hollander and Aviva Geismar, two Jewish-American choreographers, and their New York-based dance companies Battery Dance Company and Drastic Action had worked with local German high schools students and dance groups to create new dance pieces that respond to the tragedy and commemorate the Jewish history of the town. (more)
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July 26, 2006.
Ambassador William Robert Timken, Jr., joined representatives of Germany and of nine other nations at the signing ceremony of amendments to the agreement that established the International Tracing Service, I.T.S., the world's largest archive of Holocaust-related material. The amendments to the founding agreement, once ratified, will open the archives fully to researchers. "Those who suffered from the Holocaust will welcome access to these archives as they hope to answer long-standing and agonizing questions about the fate of family members and family property," said Ambassador Timken in a statement. The signing ceremony at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin was hosted by the German State Minister for Europe Günter Gloser. Ambassador Timken signed on behalf of the United States. (more)
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July 20, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. was guest of honor at the opening on July 20 of "The Guggenheim Collection" at the Federal Art and Exhibition Hall in Bonn. In his welcome remarks he described the exhibition as a highlight in the cultural relations between the U.S. and Germany. During their three-day visit in Bonn, the Ambassador and his wife Sue also visited Bonn University, the Beethoven Haus, the Museum of Post-War German History, the German Academic Exchange Service and the German AIDS Foundation. At a tour of the Konrad Adenauer Haus in Rhoendorf hosted by members of the Adenauer family the Ambassador paid tribute to the achievements of Germany’s first chancellor. (more)
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July 13, 2006.
At the invitation of Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Bush visited northeastern Germany. He and Laura Bush arrived in Rostock-Laage in the evening of July 12 and proceeded to Heiligendamm. Chancellor Merkel hosted President Bush on July 13, 2006 in the towns of Stralsund and Trinwillershagen, which are in the Chancellor’s electoral constituency. The visit, which took place in what had been communist East Germany, underscored our two nations’ commitment to advancing freedom and prosperity, and to strengthening the transatlantic partnership. The two leaders looked forward to discussing a wide range of global challenges, in particular continuing their consultations on Iran and preparing for the G-8 Summit.
Photo Galleries: Arrival in Germany | Stralsund | http://photos.state.gov/galleries/592/firstlady_ayl/1.html | BBQ in Trinwillershagen (more)
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July 5-7, 2006.
From July 5 to July 7, 2006, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and his wife Sue visited Bremen, Bremerhaven, and Tarmstedt the hometown of his great-grandfather, and Wilstedt. This was the first time the Ambassador visited Bremen. Since the Ambassador's ancestors migrated from Bremerhaven to the U.S. in 1838, the tour of the new German Emigration Center museum in Bremerhaven was of special importance. (more)
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July 4, 2006.
Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue welcomed about 1,000 guests to the annual July 4 reception of the U.S. Embassy which was held at the American Academy this year. After welcoming remarks by the Ambassador and the Presentation of the Colors by the Marine Guards, the German and the American national anthems were sung. Throughout the evening, musical entertainment was provided by the USAFE Band Check Six, Louisiana singer Denise Banks-Grasedyck and the Berlin band "venusbrass". (more)
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July 3, 2006.
As part of Berlin's Fan Fest, an "American Evening" took place at the Brandenburg Gate on July 3. On the eve of America's 230th Independence Day, German TV host Cherno Jobatey presented a program with special focus on music and soccer on the main stage. The musical part of the evening included jazz, soul/funk, swing, rock n'roll and country & western music with performances by the RIAS Big Band, Jocelyn B.Smith, and the Berlin bands Petticoat and Colorado. A presentation of Hip Hop Street Ball Acrobatics, appearances by the Berlin Thunder Cheerleaders and the U.S. Street Soccer team from Atlanta participating in the first “Street Football World Festival 06” in Berlin-Kreuzberg complemented the program. Interviews on the importance of soccer in the United States with Cherno Jobatey and invited guests completed this evening focused on sports and music. (more)
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July 3, 2006.
Mr. Hüseyin Midik of the Turkish-Islamic Union of the Institute for Religion (DITIB) led Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue through the mosque explaining the architectural design and activities of the mosque. They were accompanied by Imam Haran Bulut and DITIB Secretary General Ali Gülcek. Afterwards, the Ambassador and his wife had an opportunity to become acquainted with members of the mosque community. (more)
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June 26, 2006.
U.S. Ambassador to Germany, William R. Timken, Jr. participated in the online forum "Ask the Ambassador", June 23-26.
As Germany hosts the World Cup and the U.S.-EU Summit concluded in Austria, Ambassador Timken discussed sports, diplomacy, and more. Questions submitted online were answered by the Ambassador and a transcript is now available. (more)
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June 22, 2006.
A delegation of 30 young soccer players participating in the World Cup Sports Initiative organized by the U.S. State Department traveled to Germany June 21-23 to attend the FIFA World Cup match between Ghana and the United States and engage in program activities in Nuremberg and Frankfurt (Main). The boys and girls, ages 13-18, represent the following 13 countries: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bolivia, China, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes joined the young soccer players in Nuremberg to attend the Ghana-USA game on June 22. (more)
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June 21, 2006.
On June 21, in the U. S. Embassy in Berlin, Ambassador Timken presented a Legion of Merit medal to Vice Admiral Lutz Feldt, the recently retired German Chief of the German Navy. This medal recognizes Admiral Feldt’s strong support of the United States and its Navy during a 41-year career. Admiral Feldt officially retired April 25, 2006, but returned to Berlin to receive this award. Also attending the ceremony were Admiral Feldt's wife, Angelika, and Vice Admiral Wolfgang Nolting, the current Chief of the German Navy. (more)
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June 19, 2006.
On June 19, 2006, four State Department "Citizen Dialogue" delegates engaged in discussions with minority youth at a student symposium titled "Building Bridges; Minority Youth in Pluralistic Societies." The group discussed Muslim identity and society, family, integration and education issues at the federal representation of North Rhine-Westphalia in Berlin.
The U.S. delegation included Mr. Mehdi Alhassani, student and intern, Dr. Yahya Basha, President, Basha Diagnostics, Dr. Talal Y. Eid, Imam and Muslim Chaplain, and Ms. Farah Pandith, from the White House. The group is in Europe to meet with hundreds of European Muslims in Berlin, The Hague, and Copenhagen, as part of the Citizen Dialogue program of the U.S. State Department. (more)
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June 17, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and his wife Sue were in Kaiserslautern on June 17, throwing their full support behind the U.S. Men's National Team in their 1-1 draw against Italy. The Ambassador was warmly greeted by Kaiserslautern's Lord Mayor Deubig outside the historic Casimir Hall along with representatives from the American and German Armed Forces and was later a guest of honor at a lunch hosted by the Lord Mayor in the City Hall. Afterwards, the Ambassador and his wife toured Kaiserslautern's famous 'Fan-Mile' and met with journalists and excited fans from all over the world, including many Americans who had come to show their support for Team USA. (more)
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June 16, 2006.
Ambassador Timken gave a live interview at the ZDF program "Drehscheibe Deutschland - WM Spezial" on June 16, 2006. He expressed his excitement of being Ambassador in Germany at the time of the World Cup and praised the host nation's hospitality for soccer fans throughout the country. Asked about the U.S. team's performance during its first game, he acknowledged the strength of the Czech side but was optimistic for a good game against Italy in Kaiserslautern. He congratulated Germany for qualifying for the second round. Ambassador Timken praised the excellent cooperation with German authorities with respect to security issues. Video (more)
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June 1, 2006.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert M. Kimmitt addressed Germany's CDU Business Council today in Berlin. Also speaking in the program were German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Professor Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum. Deputy Secretary Kimmitt's address focused on the German-American role in the transatlantic economic partnership, including making each economy more dynamic, addressing globalization and changing demographics, and promoting the free flow of capital across borders. Kimmitt also addressed U.S.-German cooperation in the fight to stop the flow of terrorist financing as well as the geo-political environment in Europe and the Middle East. (more)
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May 28, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Maryland University College and delivered the Commencement Address at its graduation celebration in Heidelberg, Germany. In attendance were over 250 graduates of the UMUC, many of whom serve full-time in the American military. The Ambassador thanked both the UMUC for serving America's military all over the world and the men and women in our Armed Forces who combined a rigorous academic study military and civilian service. "It has taken personal discipline, stamina, and a sense of purpose to carry through," the Ambassador said. "Congratulations on a job well done." (more)
36th National Teacher Trainers’ Conference in Potsdam
May 25-28, 2006.
From May 25 to 28, the U.S. Embassy’s cultural section in cooperation with Amerikazentrum Hamburg organized its annual Teacher Trainers’ Conference in Potsdam on "Imagining (the) American Community(ies) in History, Politics, and the Arts". 83 teacher trainers, curriculum planners, and textbook editors discussed American identity, history, and social developments and how to include them in the classroom. (more)
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May 23, 2006.
Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue visited the Kreuzberg-Museum on May 23, 2006. Together with the Kreuzberg Representative, Özcan Mutlu, they received a tour of the exhibition "300 Years of Immigration" ("300 Jahre Einwanderung") and discussed immigration issues with 20 students of the Ernst-Abbe Gymnasium.
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May 18, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. delivered a "Talk at Byrnes" lecture entitled "German-American Relations in the Merkel Era" to a full crowd of over 200 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Stuttgart. The Ambassador focused on the greatly improved German-American relationship that began with President Bush’s visit to Mainz in 2005 and was maintained during Chancellor Merkel’s two trips to Washington, D.C. "President Bush sees Chancellor Merkel as a strong ally when it comes to uniting the world to speak with one clear voice," the Ambassador said. "President Bush and Chancellor Merkel are not, I can assure you, focusing on differences." (more)
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May 17, 2006.
Ambassador Timken presented the Legion of Merit Award to Colonel Franz-Josef Nolte on May 17, 2006. Colonel Nolte, the German Air Attaché to the United States from September 2001 to May 2004, was awarded the Legion of Merit for outstanding professionalism displayed during this period of assignment in Washington, D.C. He was instrumental in strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between the United States and German Air Forces. Colonel Nolte is now assigned as the Branch Chief for Air Force Training in Bonn, Germany. (more)
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May 16, 2006.
In the evening of May 15, Ambassador Timken hosted an opening reception for the 2006 International Air Show in Berlin. On May 16, Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue spent the day at the air show visiting European and U.S. exhibitors.
The Berlin Air Show is held once every two years within the grounds of Berlin-Schönefeld Airport. Its specialized conference program is internationally recognized and is a high-profile event for industry, politics and the media. This year, the ILA is held between May 16-21, 2006. (more)
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May 12, 2006.
John Cloud, who for the last three years has served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy Berlin, will leave Germany Sunday, May 14, 2006. On Tuesday, May 10, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. held a farewell reception in his honor at the Ambassador's residence in Berlin. Both John Cloud and his wife, Mary, were on hand to welcome guests from Berlin's political, economic, cultural and media communities, as well as many of their personal friends they have made over the past three years. After departing Berlin, Mr. Cloud, who has been nominated to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, will return to Washington for his Senate hearing, scheduled for May 17. (more)
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May 9, 2006.
On May 9, Ambassador Timken delivered the keynote address at the American German Business Club Berlin's first annual Student Business Plan Competition. In the fall of 2005, the AGBC Berlin, an English-speaking volunteer professional and business organization, inaugurated an annual, citywide Student Business Plan Competition. Mrs. Timken was a member of the jury. In his remarks, Ambassador Timken commended the club members on the initiative, saying "As mentors, you have shared your expertise and provided guidance, giving these students valuable insights into the reality of the business world. These are some of the most generous gifts you can provide." (more)
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May 4, 2006.
artMbassy in Berlin invited to the opening of their new exhibition Berlin – New York. Points of View. Acting Cultural Attache Dr. Roy S. Weatherston welcomed a large group of enthusiastic guests and in particular the six artists: from New York Ellen Harvey, a painter and video artist; Jan Baracz, a photographer and film-maker who also works with sculptures; Pia Lindmann who specializes in drawing, painting, video, and performance. And from Berlin Angelika Middendorf, a concept- and media-artist, Heimo Lattner, member of e-Xplo, a group of photographers, film-makers and musicians, and Alessia von Mallinckrodt who is a painter. (more)
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April 25, 2006.
U.S. Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Ambassador Gregory L. Schulte addressed journalists at a breakfast roundtable hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Berlin April 25 on the Iran nuclear issue. Ambassador Schulte emphasized that Iran's efforts to enrich uranium have isolated the country and that it needs to come into compliance with its international obligations. (more)
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April 23, 2006.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Rachad Bouhlal, and US-Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr., unveiled a commemorative plaque in honor of former U.S. military governor General Lucius DuBignon Clay at his then Berlin residence in Berlin-Dahlem during a ceremony April 23, 2006. General Clay lived in this house, which is now the residence of the Moroccan Ambassador in Germany, from 1945-1949. General Clay's son, Major General (ret.) Frank B. Clay, was the guest of honor at the ceremony. The Mayor of Berlin, Karin Schubert, Berlin's former Governing Mayor from 1977-1981, Dietrich Stobbe, and the coordinator for German-American relations in the German Foreign Ministry, Karsten Voigt, spoke at the ceremony next to the ambassadors and the guest of honor. (more)
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March 30, 2006.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was in Berlin on March 30 to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and German Foreign Minister Steinmeier. Secretary Rice's trip to Berlin also provided an opportunity for her to continue her dialogue with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other top officials. Secretary Rice traveled to Germany, France and the United Kingdom from March 29 to April 2, 2006. During the trip to Europe she consulted with key European allies on the range of common challenges, including Iran, the United States is addressing with its transatlantic partners. (more)
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March 27, 2006.
In February 2006, the U.S. Embassy Berlin organized a journalism tour on "U.S. Multiculturalism" in cooperation with the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program and Foreign Press Center in Washington D.C., as well as the Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce in Houston. The participating journalists - from German broadcast, online and print media - came together once more on March 27, 2006 in Berlin to discuss their experiences and insights. In the evening, Ambassador Timken and his wife Sue hosted a dinner for the journalists at their residence. (more)
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March 21, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. met the U.S. men's national soccer team in Bochum on March 21 and attended the friendly match against Germany in Dortmund the next day. At a press conference on March 21, the Ambassador explained that the U.S. was proud to be part of this 2006 World Cup in Germany and that the event was "a time to make friends." Working with city officials in Dortmund and Bochum, the U.S. Consulate Düsseldorf also arranged for a group of fifty German students to attend a training session of the U.S. team in Bochum on March 20. (more)
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March 19, 2006.
Best-selling author Dave King, currently teaching English at Baruch College at the City University of New York, read from and discussed his acclaimed debut novel “The Ha-Ha” on Sunday, March 19, 2006 at the Savoy Hotel in Berlin. The bilingual and almost scenic reading involved the moving story about the costs of war and the infinite worth of human inter-relationships. The event also featured well-known actor Jan Josef Liefers as the German voice and ended with a vivid discussion among the 120 participants. The reading was cosponsored by his German publisher Aufbau-Verlag where the German version of the book “Homecoming” just came out. Guests were able to purchase the book both in English and in German and a lot of personal interaction with the author happened during the book signing. (more)
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March 14, 2006.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns visited Berlin for talks with government counterparts, parliamentarians, and business leaders on the need to bring the Doha Development Agenda to a successful conclusion by the end of 2006. Secretary Johanns met with Ministers of Economics and Technology Michael Glos and Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Horst Seehofer. He also sat down with German and international press at the U.S. Embassy to discuss international trade questions and other issues in his portfolio, including avian influenza and biotechnology. "We regard Germany's leadership as important, and we're anxious to work together to achieve a successful Doha Round," the Secretary told journalists. (more)
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March 13, 2006.
Secretary of State Rice's Legal Advisor, John B. Bellinger III, took part in a digital video conference with German journalists in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg to address misperceptions regarding the U.S. policy and treatment of detainees in the war on terror. In the discussion, Bellinger underlined that the U.S. is constantly working to improve detainee policies and procedures and that the U.S. has no interest in detaining enemy combatants longer than absolutely necessary. "My overall point simply is that after September 11, 2001, we found ourselves in an unprecedented legal position of detaining large numbers of terrorists. Unlike the domestic terrorists who we have found individually in our own countries and who societies have been able to deal with over the years, these were individuals found fighting us on the battlefield."
Watch the DVC: Windowsmedia | Realplayer
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March 8, 2006.
Ambassador Timken toured selected U.S. exhibitors at the ITB. The USA pavilion at the ITB has over 150 exhibitors promoting a wide range of destinations, regions and states. At the conclusion of the tour Ambassador Timken welcomed English language students of the Hermann-Hesse-Gymnasium in Berlin-Kreuzberg. The students discussed a wide range of issues on the United States with a panel of U.S. tourism professionals. Lee Tiger from the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida presented Ambassador Timken with a vest. (more)
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March 9, 2006.
Principal U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Kurt Volker responded to questions from journalists on NATO, U.S.-German relations, and Iran's nuclear program at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. Volker provided a preview of this fall's NATO Summit in Riga. Volker stressed that unity about Iran is paramount. Asked about the upcoming discussions in the UN Security Council, Volker said: "I expect some form of strong rebuke to Iran, a strong call for them to come into compliance and cooperation with the international community and we go step by step from there. We are pursuing a diplomatic process and we are committed to that diplomatic process and we want to see it succeed." (more)
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March 3/4, 2006.
75 teachers of English from Berlin and Brandenburg gathered at Amerika Haus Berlin on March 3 and 4, 2006 to discuss Globalization and its Effects on Cultural Identity with four experts from the United States. Darrell West, Brown University, Joellen Perry, U.S. News and World Report contributor and currently Fulbright scholar in Berlin, Debra Magpie Earling, writer and professor at the University of Montana, and John Dean, Universite de Versailles presented their view of a globalizing world. Lectures, workshops, a reading as well as a film presentation opened up different forms of involvement. (more)
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March 1, 2006.
Accompanied by Project Director Eduardo Gaarder of the U.S. Office of Building Operations, Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. was given an hour-long tour of the building site on Pariser Platz. During the tour, Ambassador Timken expressed to the project coordinators his keen interest in learning about the overall design and construction aspects of the building. The United States government broke ground for the construction of the new American Embassy on Pariser Platz in October 2004. The building will open for business in early 2008. (more)
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March 1, 2006.
Representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Berlin and U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt led by Deputy Chief of Mission John Cloud attended the USA-Poland friendly in Kaiserslautern on March 1. They cheered as Clint Dempsey headed home the game-winner early in the second half. The U.S. Men's National Team fought through tough conditions, including a snowstorm in the final 20 minutes, defeating Poland 1-0, in front of 13,395 fans, a majority of whom were U.S. military personnel from Ramstein Air Base. The USA remain undefeated in 5 consecutive test games during their 2006 World Cup preparations. (more)
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February 22-23, 2006.
F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. is a Republican Member of Congress representing the Fifth Congressional District of Wisconsin. In Berlin, Congressman Sensenbrenner met Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries and State Secretaries and senior officials from the Foreign Office and the Ministries of the Interior, Economics and Technology, and Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection. He also met with business leaders, academics, journalists, and members of the Bundestag. Key topics of his meetings included bilateral efforts in counterterrorism and intellectual property rights protection. (more)
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February 21, 2006.
After traveling to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, U.S. Under Secretary of State Karen P. Hughes arrived in Berlin to meet with German government officials, to engage German media, and to exchange ideas with opinion leaders and with Germany Mission staff on a wide range of topics. At the German Foreign Ministry, she met with State Secretary Georg Boomgaarden. Before their meeting, Under Secretary Hughes presented State Secretary Boomgaarden with a personalized U.S. team World Cup jersey. She also met with the German Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Klaus Scharioth. (more)
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February 14, 2006.
On the occasion of the 56th Berlin International Film Festival, Ambassador Timken and Mrs. Timken held a reception in honor of the American guests and participants at the Sony Center Sky Garden on February 14, 2006. Approximately 500 guests from media, culture, politics and business attended the event. One of the VIPs was German actress Bettina Zimmermann, who recently played a leading role in a prize-winning TV film on the Berlin airlift. The photo shows Ambassador Timken with Mrs Timken who was presented with a red rose for Valentine's Day. (more)
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February 10, 2006.
Ambassador Timken returned three paintings by the German painter Heinrich Buerkel (1802-1869) to the city of Pirmasens. The paintings are property of the Buerkel Gallery of the Pirmasens Museums. They were part of a grouping of paintings stolen at the conclusion of World War II and brought to the U.S. by unknown subjects, valued at approximately $125,000. The FBI Art Theft Program facilitated the return of the paintings. Ambassador Timken presented the paintings to the Lord Mayor of the city of Pirmasens, Dr. Bernhard Matheis. The chief of the FBI Major Theft Unit in Washington, D.C., Eric B. Ives, and the director of the Pirmasens Museums, Heike Wittmer, were also present. (more)
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February 9, 2006.
On her first visit to Berlin since becoming Deputy U.S. Trade Representative in November 2005, Ambassador Susan C. Schwab met with government counterparts and private sector representatives to discuss how the United States and the European Union can make progress on multilateral trade issues such as the Doha Development Agenda. As Deputy Trade Representative, Ambassador Schwab is responsible for policy across a range of trade matters and regions, including U.S. trade relations with Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East, and the Americas. While in Berlin, Ambassador Schwab also participated in a roundtable discussion with German and international media. (more)
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February 8-9, 2006.
The Deputy U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex M. Azar II, visited Berlin February 8-9, 2006 for discussions with German counterparts about the role of innovation in spurring drugs and devices to be available for consumers and patients across the world, particularly given the growing threat of a global pandemic influenza.
While in Berlin, Deputy Secretary Azar took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute on "The Critical Role of Innovation in the Public Health Sector." On February 9, he meet with journalists from German print media.
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February 7, 2006.
Mary Cloud, wife of Deputy Chief of Mission John Cloud, was one of the guest speakers at the New Years Reception of the Ronald McDonald Haus in Berlin. The reception was given at the Zeiss-Großplanetarium. Mrs. Cloud explained that her initial visit to the Berlin house was through her affiliation with the American Women's Club of Berlin. Since then she has been a regular visitor and during her remarks (made in German) she spoke of her admiration for the strength and courage shown by the families of the sick children and how impressed she was with the dedication of the staff of the Ronald McDonald Haus in Berlin. (more)
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February 4/5, 2006.
More than 300 defense ministers and top security officials met in Munich at the 42nd Munich Conference on Security Policy. Attendees discussed: “Europe and the United States: Restoring the Transatlantic Partnership” as well as a variety of other issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and the war on terror. Much emphasis was also be placed on the future role of NATO. U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick also attended the Munich Security Conference.
Remarks by Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, February 4, 2006 | Remarks by Robert B. Zoellick, Deputy Secretary of State, February 6, 2006 (more)
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January 27, 2006.
Mrs. Sue Timken, along with her daughter Fran, visited the photo exhibit "Dense but Deep" at the gallery of ifa/Institute for Foreign Relations in Stuttgart. Both were very impressed by the photos by Arab photographers from Lebanon, Egypt and Palestine, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Morocco, and tried to gain better insights into their world by studying their work. The images by "outside" photographers - including two Americans and several Europeans - was of special interest as it helped to challenge the traditional Western view of the Arab world. (more)
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January 25, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. presided over a naturalization ceremony for 27 service members from over 20 different countries, their families and friends at the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt. In his remarks, he pointed out that the United States is built on the dreams and determination of millions of immigrants and that it has grown and flourished through their contributions and sacrifices. Ambassador Timken noted that Germany was a fitting place to acquire U.S. citizenship, as so many Germans have crossed the Atlantic to adopt America as their new home. (more)
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January 25, 2006.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez visited Berlin January 24-25 to discuss issues of common concern in the transatlantic relationship with representatives of German government, trade and industry. In addition to meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Minister of Economics and Technology Michael Glos, Secretary Gutierrez delivered remarks and participated in a discussion at an event hosted by the Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie and the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany. (more)
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January 2006.
American writer Herbert Gold, born in 1924, novelist, journalist, short story writer, autobiographer and man of letters, impressed audiences in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Dortmund, and Mainz with readings from "Fathers" and "Bohemia". Through his works and personality, Herbert Gold gave his audiences a rare opportunity to hear about American literary life and culture over the past fifty years and learn about key figures whom Gold knew personally. He shared his memories of William Faulkner, Graham Green, Italo Calvino, Manes Sperber on the one hand and Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Gregory Corso, and Jean Genet on the other. (more)
