Germany told the United Nations today that it will enhance investment and trade and offer education opportunities for youth in countries in North Africa and the Middle East that are emerging from authoritarian rule, noting that only economic success can ensure that the political reforms will be sustained.

Germany told the United Nations today that it will enhance investment and trade and offer education opportunities for youth in countries in North Africa and the Middle East that are emerging from authoritarian rule, noting that only economic success can ensure that the political reforms will be sustained.

“We want to foster the changes through more trade,” German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle told the annual general debate of the General Assembly in New York. “We are offering investment, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of an open and successful society. “Most important of all, however, will be to offer young people education and training so that they can make the most of their opportunities.”

Mr. Westerwelle pledged that Germany will also continue to press for a Security Council resolution against authorities in Syria, which he said had responded to the people’s legitimate demands for political change with brutal force. European Union sanctions against Syria will also be tightened if the crackdown continues. “That is not only about showing solidarity with the Syrian people. It is also about the international community’s credibility.” Read the complete article