New Ambassador of Germany to Korea: "'Berlin Comfort Woman Statue' Should Be Accepted from the Perspective of Freedom of Expression"

"South Korea and Japan Must Actively Seek Solutions to Historical Issues"...Specific Country's G7 Invitation Called "Excellent Decision"
"Sympathy for Moon Jae-in Government's 'Peace Process' Efforts"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The newly appointed German Ambassador to South Korea emphasized that the 'Statue of Peace,' which was installed in Berlin's Mitte district through behind-the-scenes diplomacy by the Japanese government and faced the threat of removal, should be accepted from the perspective of 'freedom of expression.'

In an interview with Yonhap News on the 11th, Michael Reiffenstuel, the new German Ambassador to South Korea, explained the German government's position on the so-called 'Berlin Statue of Peace,' saying, "Freedom of expression, opinion, art, and culture is very important in Germany," and added, "This applies to everyone in Germany."

He particularly emphasized that all forms of expression must be accepted. He said, "Sometimes it means accepting expressions or forms of expression that may be offensive," adding, "This is a very fundamental and important principle."

While the federal government cannot directly intervene in local government matters, he stated that both Korea and Japan should actively seek ways to resolve historical issues between the two countries.

He said, "(The issue of removing the Berlin Statue of Peace) is a matter for the Berlin city and Mitte district offices to decide, and the Berlin court is currently reviewing it," adding, "Since both Korea and Japan are partners who share values with Germany, I encourage both countries to actively work to find ways and means to resolve historical issues."

Meanwhile, regarding the highly anticipated question of whether South Korea will be invited to the expanded Group of Seven (G7) summit, he expressed a positive stance. Ambassador Reiffenstuel said, "The expansion of the G7 requires discussion and agreement among all members. Inviting a specific country to the G7 summit without consensus is not a good decision."

He went on to say about the Moon Jae-in administration’s efforts toward the Korean Peninsula peace process, "It is very encouraging that President Moon continues to reach out to North Korea," and added, "Germany, as a country that shares the experience of division, sympathizes with the Korean government's efforts for dialogue."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.