"We speak too much and achieve too little,” criticised the
Federal Defence Minister. By way of examples, he mentioned the NATO
headquarters, the command structure and joint financing issues. He
hoped for "courageous and pragmatic” proposals, he
declared.
The Munich Security Conference is a
non-governmental event which attracts high-ranking personalities
from the realms of politics, economics and publishing. It was
founded by the publisher Ewald von Kleist. Ambassador Wolfgang
Ischinger is the third chairman. All in all about 300 participants
from 50 countries meet in the Bavarian capital. Free of the
constraints of protocol and diplomatic niceties participants can
indulge in some straight talking.
Strengthening consensus
The reworking of the strategic concept should also be used
to include those states which were not yet members in 1999, said
the Defence Minister. "That way we can strengthen consensus,” he
added.