German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas represented Germany at the United Nations Security Council session on Friday for the first time since Berlin took over a non-permanent seat on the body at the beginning of the year.

Maas told the session, which focused on climate change and conflict, that it was crucial for international policy to better reflect the dangers posed by global warming.

"Climate change is real, it is having a global impact, and it is increasingly becoming a threat to peace and security. This is why the debate about the political consequences of climate change belongs here — the Security Council," Maas said, delivering his speech in English. "It must become routine for us to take the link between climate and security into account in all conflict situations."

The minister also called for immediate rapid-action measures for hard-hit areas and greater access to information about climate risks.

For its two-year membership on the Council, the German government has earmarked four key goals: Peace, justice, innovation, and partnership. Ahead of the UN meeting, Maas told DW how Germany aims to take a hands-on approach to tackling crises and conflicts around the world.

On disarmament:

Disarmament is "the biggest issue" on Germany's agenda and Berlin is particularly concerned about the future of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, Maas said.

Germany was eager to "help create an understanding" between the United States and Russia amid tensions between both countries over the Cold War-era accord.

The United States has pledged to withdraw from the treaty, which bans both countries from building mid-range ballistic missiles, in early February. Washington and Berlin accuse Russia of developing a missile system that violates the agreement.

European countries nevertheless fear that the treaty's dissolution could spark a new arms race that would threaten their security.

Alongside the future of the INF, Maas said that Germany also wants to tackle other disarmament challenges.

"It's not just about Russia and the US: China also has a part to play in the issue of disarmament," he said. "And we will be very active over the coming weeks and months in this regard."

German reactions to Trump's threat to ditch nuclear treaty with Russia Merkel's government 'regrets' Trump's decision German Chancellor Angela Merkel's government voiced immediate concern over US President Donald Trump's threats to pull out of the INF nuclear arms treaty with Russia. Berlin said it "regrets" Washington's decision, adding that it urged Russia to "dispel the serious doubts about its adherence to the treaty that had arisen as a result of a new type of Russian missile."

German reactions to Trump's threat to ditch nuclear treaty with Russia Foreign Ministry: US move puts Europe at risk German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that Trump's move poses "difficult questions for us and for Europe" since the INF treaty is "an important pillar of our European security architecture."

German reactions to Trump's threat to ditch nuclear treaty with Russia Defense minister urges NATO involvement Maintaining the level of security in Europe was the primary concern of German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen. "Regardless of whether the treaty has to be saved or renegotiated, it is important that all NATO states be included in the discussion," she told reporters during a trip to China.

German reactions to Trump's threat to ditch nuclear treaty with Russia Nobel-winners urge action from Germany The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which won a Nobel Peace Prize last year, called on Berlin to intervene in the tug-of-war between the US and Russia. The potential threat to people living in Europe is massive, warned Johannes Mikeska, the head of ICAN's Germany branch. "That's why it is urgent for the German government to now mediate between the US and Russia," he said.

German reactions to Trump's threat to ditch nuclear treaty with Russia Greens: Ban all US nukes from Germany The Greens described Trump's move as "absolutely fatal." Annalena Baerbock, the co-leader of the Greens, urged Merkel's government to take a stand against Washington by getting rid of the US nuclear weapons still stationed in Germany. "If the German government is serious about its appeals to the US government, it must now say: 'We are ending Germany's nuclear participation,'" she said.

German reactions to Trump's threat to ditch nuclear treaty with Russia FDP leader backs Trump's argument Christian Lindner, the leader of the business-friendly Free Democrats (FDP), said although he thinks Trump's decision is "dangerous," Washington's reasoning was sound. "What's correct is that Putin isn't adhering to the INF!" Lindner wrote on Twitter. The FDP chief also slammed the Greens' proposal to remove US weapons from Germany, saying it would leave Germany "defenseless."

German reactions to Trump's threat to ditch nuclear treaty with Russia Germany, Europe 'extremely worried' The deputy leader of the FDP, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, told DW that he was deeply concerned about the type of cruise missiles that were prohibited by the treaty. He noted that it "concerns a category of weapons that would reach Europe — not the continental United States." He added that he believes the treaty can be saved "if all sides share the intention of avoiding a really ruinous arms race." Author: Rebecca Staudenmaier



On Venezuela:

Germany is "not neutral" in the standoff between President Nicolas Maduro and opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido, who declared himself president on Wednesday.

"We are on Juan Guaido's side because it is difficult for us to recognize the legitimacy of Maduro's re-election," he said, adding: "That's why we are calling for fresh elections."

Germany and the European Union dismissed Maduro's re-election in May amid widespread reports of voting irregularities.

Venezuela on the brink The last straw In March 2017, violent protests erupted across the country in response to a Supreme Court decision to strip the legislative branch of its powers. Amid an international outcry, President Nicolas Maduro reversed the decision, but it was too late. Thousands continued to take to the streets, calling for new elections. More than 100 people were killed in clashes with security forces.

Venezuela on the brink Hunger, a growing problem The violence added to the ongoing economic and political crisis in Venezuela. Many Venezuelans spend more than 30 hours a week waiting in lines to shop, and are often confronted with empty shelves when they finally enter a store. President Maduro blames the crisis on US price speculation. The opposition, however, accuses the Socialist government of economic mismanagement.

Venezuela on the brink Health care in crisis The crisis has even affected health care in the oil-rich nation. Venezuelans often head to Colombia to collect medical supplies to send home, as seen in this picture. Hospitals across Venezuela have compared conditions to those seen only in war zones. As patient deaths rise, health officials have sounded the alarm on the rise of malaria and dengue fever.

Venezuela on the brink Power grab By July 2017, Venezuela's pro-government Constituent Assembly was established. For observers, it had all the hallmarks of a power grab. The new body adopted the authority to pass legislation on a range of issues, effectively taking away the powers of Venezuela's elected congress, which was under the opposition's control. The move drew wide international condemnation.

Venezuela on the brink The West sanctions In response to the political crisis, the United States and European Union imposed a series of sanctions against ruling officials. The US blacklisted members of the Constituent Assembly and froze all of Maduro's assets that are subject to US jurisdiction. The EU banned arms sales to the country.

Venezuela on the brink Government victorious in regional elections In October 2017, Venezuela held two votes: regional elections and elections for governors, which were long overdue. The opposition boycotted the vote, but then split, as some candidates and small parties chose to participate. This caused a deep rift within Maduro's opponents. The government went on to sweep the vote, which detractors say was unfair and heavily favored the regime.

Venezuela on the brink Debt default In November 2017, the oil-rich, cash-poor nation faced its day of reckoning. Credit ratings agencies declared Venezuela and its state-run oil company in "selective default." But Russia offered to restructure the South American country's debt to ensure Caracas pays its other creditors. US and EU sanctions, however, limited the chance of an agreement.

Venezuela on the brink Presidential elections scheduled The National Assembly announced in January 2018 that it would grant Maduro's call for snap presidential elections. The electoral authority, CNE, held the elections on May 20. The EU, the US and 14 Latin American nations warned that they would not recognize the results. The mainstream MUD opposition alliance boycotted the vote, leaving only one possible outcome.

Venezuela on the brink Maduro wins ... Maduro was re-elected to a second six-year term with about 68 percent of the vote. Turnout was only 46 percent, according to electoral authorities. However, the MUD opposition alliance put turnout at less than 30 percent. The Organization of American States (OAS) called the elections neither free nor fair.

Venezuela on the brink ... Guaido assumes power But weeks into the new year, the situation took a drastic turn. On January 23, 2019, parliament president Juan Guaido declared himself interim president of Venezuela — a move that was quickly recognized by US President Donald Trump. Maduro called it a US-backed "coup." Days later, the US sanctioned Venezuela's state oil firm, while Guaido staked his claim on the country's foreign assets.



On women:

Germany would put the "experience of women in war higher on the agenda" during its term, Maas said.

"The United Nations is doing a lot already, but we have to do even more because women are often the first to suffer in conflict and women often have special skills that can help settle these conflicts later on."

On climate change:

Germany would also try to tackle the security challenges posed by climate change.

"Climate and security is one of those issues that is not getting enough attention," Maas said. "And the connection between climate change and security issues is becoming increasingly important."

In his speech before the Security Council on Friday, Maas warned that falling water tables in Afghanistan, Yemen and Iraq and other parts of the world, were undermining prospects of peace.

He added that climate and security would be the focus of a high-level conference in Berlin on June 4.

What is the UN Security Council?

The most powerful of the six principal bodies of the United Nations, the Council is charged with "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security." It has five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Its decisions are binding under international law.

Alexander Fritsch contributed to this report.

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