Syria, and the status of talks on the country’s civil war were the focus of the Chancellor’s talks with Ban Ki-moon. Talks are currently being held in Switzerland, under the aegis of Lakhdar Brahimi, the United Nations Special Representative for Syria. They also, however, discussed Iran and the situation in Africa, in particular in the Central African Republic and Mali.

Praise for Lakhdar Brahimi

The Chancellor expressed her respect for the United Nations Special Representative for Syria. Lakhdar Brahimi is mediating with great skill. She clearly stated her hope that progress can be achieved in Geneva, and stressed that supplies are urgently needed by the Syrian people. "What we need now are humanitarian corridors, because the suffering of the people in Syria is indescribable," said Angela Merkel.

The question of a transitional government in Syria and the humanitarian aid that Germany can provide for Syrian refugees was also discussed. Assistance for Syria need not involve only taking in refugees, but can also take the form of providing support for countries in the region to which refugees flee.

The negotiations must find a political solution to the situation in Syria. Day by day we can see with painful clarity that there cannot be a military solution, said the Chancellor.

Intensive negotiations with Iran

The Chancellor also stated her point of view with respect to Iran. Negotiations have brought initial progress. Germany, she said, will provide intensive support for the negotiations as it has done in the past. There are indications that something can be achieved.

With reference of Central Africa and Mali, the Chancellor assured the Secretary-General that Germany feels itself responsible for a more positive development of events in Africa.

Climate change mitigation and security

Angela Merkel also mentioned the Millennium Development Goals and climate change mitigation. She reported that she had touched on these issues too with the United Nations Secretary-General. The year 2015 will be crucial for climate change mitigation, declared the Chancellor. Ban Ki-moon reported that the situation in Afghanistan had also been discussed, because 2014 is a critically important year in the country’s transition.