Steve Cohen: “in 5 weeks, about the time that this bill is signed into law, the people of Germany will celebrate one of the most…”

“in 5 weeks, about the time that this bill is signed into law, the people of Germany will celebrate one of the most important dates in German history. March 4 will mark the third anniversary of the entry into force of the Two-Plus-Four Agreement under which the four allied powers of World War II gave up their special rights and responsibilities and Germany returned to the world stage as a sovereign, full fledged member of the family of nations. Within months of regaining the reins of its destiny, Germany began exercising previously unimaginable international political leadership, as it cajoled and pressured its European Community partners and eventually the United States into recognizing Solvenia and Coratia. Some called it muscle-flexing. Others viewed it as a natural, if somewhat undiplomatic, testing of the newfound possibilities afforded by Germany's new status and abetted by German officials still heady from unification. Unfortunately, many Germans have not been as quick to recognize that rights are accompanied by responsibilities--and that Germany's new situation and status brings with it not only new opportunities but new obligations, as well. Principal among these is the need for Germany to join with other nations in efforts to maintain and, if necessary, restore international peace and security.”