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Ambassador's Corner

Scharioth on Conventions: Both Campaigns Want to Work with Europe

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth got a first-hand view of the American political process when he attended both the Republican National Convention in St. Paul and the Democratic National Convention in Denver as an observer, meeting with advisors to both campaigns.

Ambassador Scharioth Welcomes Arthur F. Burns Fellows

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth hosted a reception for current Arthur F. Burns fellows and alumni at his residence on Wednesday, July 23.

Ambassador Scharioth on Celebrating July 4th & Freedom in the Heart of Berlin

"On this Fourth of July, people will walk by the new Embassy of the United States of America and through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and they will remember: freedom can be delayed, but freedom can never be fully denied. Friends make all the difference," Ambassador Scharioth writes.

Ambassador Scharioth to Attend Grand Opening of New US Embassy in Berlin

Ambassador Scharioth, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new US building on Pariser Platz next to the Brandenburg Gate, will take part in the official opening on July 4 as well. Chancellor Merkel and former US President George H. W. Bush will be guests of honor.

German Jazz Ensemble Performs in Concert at Ambassador’s Residence

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth hosted an outdoor jazz concert by the German Academic All Stars, an impromptu ensemble consisting of present grantees and alumni of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), on the terrace of the Ambassador’s Residence on June 25.

Events with Astronauts Highlight International Cooperation in Space

Hundreds gathered at the National Air and Space Museum to hear astronauts Hans Schlegel of Germany, Léopold Eyharts of France, and Carl Walz of the US talk about the International Space Station. Ambassador Scharioth had hosted an event with all three astronauts earlier in the day.

Fans at Embassy Cheer on Germany in Euro Cup Win over Poland

Ambassador Scharioth joined a large crowd of German and American soccer fans as they turned the auditorium of the German Embassy into a roaring stadium on June 8 as they loudly accompanied Germany to its 2-0 victory over Poland in the opening round of the European Championship.

Ambassador Greets Spot the Bus Winner Higgins Before Start of Prize Trip

Ambassador Scharioth greeted the winner of the 2007 Germany—Land of Ideas Spot the Bus contest, Thomas Higgins, and his wife before they embarked on their Grand Prize, seven-day trip through Germany, sponsored by BMW. Higgins entered the contest on Germany.info.

Making a Difference: Ambassador Presents Donation to City Year Volunteers

The German Embassy helped the DC chapter of City Year – part of the American national service program AmeriCorps – raise nearly $2700 dollars during the EU Open House in May. “I think you do important work,” Ambassador Scharioth told the volunteers.

Baltic Sea Beach Chair Gets New Home at Ambassador's Residence

Ambassador Scharioth is now the proud owner of a traditional Baltic Sea wicker beach chair, a mini replica of one used at the 2007 G-8 Summit in Germany. The chair is a gift of the Minister for Labor, Economy and Tourism of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Jürgen Seidel.

Mater Honored For Contributions to Press Freedom in Germany After WWII

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth recently honored, Gene P. Mater of the Freedom Forum, who as a member of the US Army in Germany immediately after the end of World War II, made significant contributions to the establishment and expansion of press freedom.

Bundestag President Lammert Meets with House Speaker Pelosi

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth accompanied Bundestag President Norbert Lammert as he met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the US Capitol on Wednesday, May 20. Also participiting in the meeting was Norbert Röttgen, a member of the parliament's Council of Elders.

Berlin Airlift was “Miracle of Friendship,” Ambassador Scharioth Says

Speaking at the celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift during the recent Joint Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, Ambassador Scharioth hailed the “heroes” of the Airlift. “I stand in awe before what these Americans did for my country.”

Thousands Flock to German Embassy During EU Open House

The German Embassy welcomed thousands of visitors on May 3 to celebrate the unity and diversity of the European Union as part of the popular EU Open House. "We want to be good neighbors and open our doors to the public on this special day," Ambassador Scharioth said.

Well-Known Cabaret Troupe Entertains Guests at Ambassador's Residence

Ambassador Scharioth hosted a cabaret and dinner event with the well-known Münchner Lach- und Schiessgesellschaft cabaret troupe on April 29. The intimate performance preceeded two sold-out shows by the artists in the auditorium of the German Embassy.

Ambassador Speaks at German American Business Council's Annual Dinner

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth was the guest of honor at the annual dinner of the German American Business Council on April 30. In his remarks, Ambassador Scharioth praised the strong business relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Scharioth and Rotary Club Plant Cherry Tree on National Mall

Ambassador Scharioth planted a Yoshino cherry tree on the National Mall recently, an honor bestowed on him by the Rotary Club of Washington, DC. During the ceremony, Scharioth, an honorary Rotary Club member, called attention to the need for joint action on climate protection.

Ambassador Scharioth Speaks at Holocaust Days of Remembrance in VA

On the invitation of the City of Alexandria, Ambassador Klaus Scharioth was the guest speaker at the city’s annual ceremony as part of the weeklong commemoration of the national Days of Remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust.

Ambassador Scharioth Opens Consular Conference at German Embassy

The eight German General Consuls in the United States, along with all 35 German Honorary Consuls in the US, as well as senior staff from the Federal Foreign Office and the German Embassy gathered in Washington for the biannual meeting.
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Ambassador Scharioth, German-Americans Celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the First Germans in America at Jamestown and Williamsburg

The first German settlers in America arrived 400 years ago in Virginia. At recent festivities in Williamsburg, Ambassador Scharioth unveiled a new National Park Service historic marker at the Jamestown Glasshouse before a cheering crowd of proud German-Americans.

Pianist Lambert Orkis Receives Federal Cross of the Order of Merit

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth presented the prestigious German honor to pianist Lambert Orkis, a gifted performer and teacher with a passion for the great German composers. Orkis also has long accompanied violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter.

Ambassador Scharioth Welcomes Finance Minister Steinbrück to Residence

Ambassador Scharioth welcomed to the residence Finance Minister Steinbrück, who was in Washington for the meeting of G7 finance ministers and the spring meeting of the IMF. Both meetings focused on how to address the current crises of the financial markets.

Pope Benedict XVI in USA — Well Wishes from Ambassador Scharioth

“I wish Pope Benedict XVI a happy and productive journey in America," Ambassador Scharioth said on the eve the pontiff's arrival. "People are looking forward to his visit, and his reception here will no doubt be as warm and sincere as it has been in Germany, his homeland.”
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Ambassador Scharioth Visits New York Stock Exchange

Ambassador Scharioth visited the New York Stock Exchange on April 7, where he met with NYSE Euronext CEO Duncan Niederauer and toured the trading floor. Ambassador Scharioth also had the opportunity to observe the Closing Bell ceremony.

Evening with Ambassador Highlights Ties Between Germany and Alabama

Ambassador Scharioth recently met with Alabama Congressman Jo Bonner, Alabama local elected officials and representatives of German companies with investments in the state, highlighting the strong economic ties and friendship between Germany and the State of Alabama.

Gala Highlights Effort to Rebuild Famed Berlin Palace as New Cultural Forum

Former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, guest of honor at a black-tie event hosted by Ambassador Scharioth and his wife, Ulrike Scharioth, encouraged Americans to support the effort to reconstruct the Berlin Palace as a new cultural forum in the center of the capital city.

Ambassador Scharioth Becomes Ambassadorial Member of the University Club of DC

Ambassador Scharioth accepted an honorary membership from the University Club of Washington DC . A German Embassy Night at the club provided the appropriate surroundings for the Ambassador's induction, and members enjoyed German music and food.

Reception at German Pavilion at WIREC 2008 Trade Show

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth welcomed Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Environment Ministry Michael Müller at a reception of the German Embassy at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC).

Concert and Dinner for Washington Performing Arts Society Supporters

Guests enjoyed a concert by Johannes Moser, a German pianist who won the 2002 Tchaikovsky Competition, and Benjamin Hochman, an Israeli cellist who has received acclaim as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician, at the event hosted by Ambassador Scharioth.

Ambassador Remembers Rep. Lantos as Friend Who Spoke Frankly

Rep. Lantos' "clear vision and strong voice for preserving human dignity around the world inspired Americans and Europeans to continue working for the basic freedoms of people everywhere,” Ambassador Scharioth wrote in a letter to Mrs. Lantos.

Ambassador Scharioth Welcomes NRW Minister President Rüttgers

Ambassador Scharioth held a lunch for Minister President Rüttgers on Tuesday with guests from politics, business, journalism, think tanks and the administration. Rüttgers is in Washington to meet with members of the US administrations, members of Congress and business leaders.

Iran: Ambassador Scharioth Interviewed by Voice of America for Live Farsi Broadcast

In a live television interview broadcast by Voice of America in Iran during prime time Sunday night, Ambassador Klaus Scharioth talked with journalist Bijan Farhoodi and took viewer questions via phone and email on the topic of Iran.

Ambassador Scharioth and Chef Teisseire Delight Guests as part of "Meridian Embassy Chef Series with Gail Scott"

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth and his wife, Mrs. Ulrike Scharioth, hosted a dinner at their residence on January 24 as part of the "Meridian Embassy Chef Series with Gail Scott." Executive Chef Benôit Teisseire, opened his kitchen to the enthralled guests.

German Embassy Announces Special Screening of “The Edge of Heaven”

Film enthusiasts will have a chance to view Fatih Akin’s latest, “The Edge of Heaven” (Auf der anderen Seite), at a pre-screening on January 25 at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, MD. Ambassador Scharioth will host a wine reception after the 7 p.m. screening.

Thomas Higgins of DC Wins Trip to Germany in Spot the Bus Contest

Ambassador Scharioth picked Thomas Higgins of Washington, DC, as the lucky winner of the Spot the Bus contest in a random drawing. Higgins was one of many people who participated in the online contest in October, November and December 2007.

Ambassador Helps German American Business Council Ring in 2008

At the New Year’s reception of the German American Business Council on January 10, Ambassador Scharioth thanked the GABC for its strong efforts and success in further expanding the outstanding business relationships between Germany and the United States.

Ambassador Scharioth hosts Press Conference on Columbus

In a press conference hosted by the German Embassy, Ambassador Scharioth, German Astronaut Thomas Reiter, and Johann-Dietrich Wörner, chairman of the board of the German Aerospace Center, DLR, highlight the critical German contribution to the Columbus mission.

German Embassy Plays Host to Hillcrest-Palisades Partnership Anniversary Bash in DC

Ambassador Scharioth and DC Mayor Fenty on Nov. 13 together greeted community leaders and members of the Hillcrest and the Palisades neighborhood associations of Washington at a special reception hosted by the German Embassy.

Violinist Augustin Hadelich Charms Audience at Ambassador's Residence

Ambassador Scharioth recently welcomed Augustin Hadelich, gold medalist of the 2006 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, to the residence for an intimate concert of pieces by Beethoven, Franck, and Schnittke.

Opening of Carnegie Hall’s Berlin in Lights Festival

Ambassador Scharioth co-hosted a reception on the opening night of Carnegie Hall’s Berlin in Lights Festival. Internationally acclaimed singer and composer Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester opened the festival.

Chatham University Awards Ambassador Scharioth Honorary Doctorate

Ambassador Scharioth received an honorary doctorate from Chatham University in Pittsburgh recently in recognition of his contribution to international diplomacy. The school is focusing on Germany this academic year as part of its Global Focus Program.

Ambassador Scharioth Speaks at Brandeis, Boston, Fletcher, Harvard

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth visited the Boston area recently to bolster German relations with several academic institutions, namely Brandeis, Boston and Harvard Universities and his own alma mater, The Fletcher School at Tufts University.

Hydrogen-Powered BMWs Join Embassy Fleet for Test Drives

Running in hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapor, representing a major step in reducing harmful CO2 emissions. Ambassador Scharioth is now among the prominent figures who have test driven the vehicle.

Celebrating the Day of German Unity in the “Garden of Ideas”

Guests at this year’s celebration of the Day of German Unity at the German Embassy on Wednesday, October 3, celebrated Germany’s national holiday in the “Garden of Ideas,” discovering innovations in renewable energies from Germany’s New Federal States.

Farewell Luncheon for Outgoing ZDF Bureau Chief Eberhard Piltz

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth and Mrs. Ulrike Scharioth hosted a luncheon for a small circle of guests on September 21 in honor of Eberhard Piltz, who has served as bureau chief in Washington for ZDF, one of Germany's public broadcasters, for many years.

Empire State Building Goes Black, Red, Gold for 50th Steuben Parade

German-American friendship was alive in New York as the German-American Steuben Parade marked its 50th anniversary and revelers continued the celebration into Central Park. Ambassador Scharioth joined parade Grand Marshall Henry Kissinger for the festivities.

Best Buddies International Gets Helping Hand from German Embassy

The German Embassy and the German American Business Council are supporting Best Buddies International in its effort to expand its network of one-to-one friendships and integrated employment for people with intellectual disabilities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Ambassador Scharioth Meets Gov. Schwarzenegger in California

During the recent trip to California of German Foreign Minister Steinmeier in which matters of climate change and energy conservation stood on the top of the agenda, Ambassador Klaus Scharioth met Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in Sacramento.

Ambassador Scharioth Marks Changing of Guard at Washington Bureaus of Germany's Public Broadcasting Networks, ZDF and ARD

Ambassador Scharioth hosted a luncheon on July 18 on the occasion of a changing of the guard in the Washington bureau of ZDF, one of Germany's public broadcasters. In attendance were both the outgoing bureau chief, correspondent Eberhard Piltz, and his successor, Klaus-Peter Siegloch.

Forum: Ambassador Scharioth and Portuguese Ambassador de Vallera Discuss EU Agenda

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth joined Portuguese Ambassador Joao de Vallera and Julianne Smith, director and senior fellow of the CSIS Europe Program, on July 17 for a discussion and forum hosted by the at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Washington (FES) on the achievements of the German EU Presidency and looking ahead into the current Portuguese EU Presidency.

Historical Researcher Grassl Honored for Work on Germans at Jamestown

Nearly 400 years after German craftsmen arrived in Jamestown, among the settlers of the earliest permanent English colony in America, Gary C. Grassl, a tenacious historical researcher, made sure their contribution was finally acknowledged with a historical marker near the settlement in Virginia.

Celebrations Mark Successful Completion of German EU Presidency

As the German EU Presidency came to an end at the end of June, Ambassador Scharioth and Mrs. Scharioth celebrated its successful completion with EU heads of mission in Washington and with EU diplomats, US counterparts, journalists and others.

Making Difference: Ambassador Meets With City Year DC Volunteers

The German Embassy helped the DC chapter of City Year, a community service organization that is part of the American national service program AmeriCorps, raise nearly $3000 dollars during the EU Open House on May 12.

EU and US Must Keep Energy Security, Climate at Top of Joint Agenda

Limiting global warming is not only a moral obligation, it also makes good economic sense, Ambassador Scharioth said at the US Energy Association's Energy Efficiency Forum, where he outlined the recent G8 agreement and called for the EU and US to continue to work together.

Ambassador Celebrates with Graduates at his former College in Idaho

“After 5 days of travel by plane and bus, I arrived in Idaho. I was a bit tired, true. But I was where I’d wanted to be – and one of the best years of my life began,” Ambassador Scharioth tells graduates at the Albertson College, where he studied 40 years ago.
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Ambassador Visits California, Meets Governor Schwarzenegger

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth paid his first official visit to the State of California from May 28 to June 1, visiting the state capital, Sacramento, as well as Silicon Valley and San Francisco.
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Kite Gala Held to Benefit Aschiana Program in Kabul

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth and his wife, Ulrike, hosted the Kite Gala on May 24 to benefit Aschiana, an Afghan non-government organization that serves the needs of children who do odd jobs on the streets of Kabul.
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Ambassador Speaks to Rotary Club of Washington, DC

In a keynote speech to the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, Ambassador Klaus Scharioth emphasized the importance that Germany places on firm transatlantic ties, especially in today’s globalized world.
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Ambassador Helps CARE Celebrate 61 Years of Humanitarian Aid

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth held a fundraising dinner on May 16 to

benefit CARE, a humanitarian aid organization that got its start 61 years ago delivering food aid packages to war torn Europe and is now an international network for humanitarian and economic aid.

Ambassador Hosts Reception at Hirshhorn for Artist Tillmans

Ambassador Scharioth hosted a private reception at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in honor of the German artist Wolfgang Tillmans to mark the occasion of the East Coast debut of his first retrospective exhibition in the United States.

Astronaut Reiter: “View From Space Never Gets Old”

After spending nearly six months aboard the International Space Station last year as part of ESA’s Astrolab Mission, doing everything from conducting experiments to carrying out routine maintenance, Thomas Reiter wouldn’t mind doing it all over again.
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European Poetry in Motion a Showcase for Diversity, Unity

Ambassador Scharioth hailed the project, through which 135 poems from all 27 EU member states will be displayed in Metro buses and online, as a way to showcase the diversity as well as the unity of the European Union.

German American Business Council Greets Spring with Maifest Dinner

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth, Senator Norm Coleman, and Robert Cresanti, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, were the main speakers at the Maifest Dinner of the German American Business Council, held at the Hay Adams Hotel.

Official Transfer of Waldseemüller Map a Great Day for German-American Friendship

In a ceremony at the Library of Congress attended by Ambassador Klaus Scharioth, members of Congress and numerous German officials, Chancellor Angela Merkel formally transferred the document that was the first to use the name "America" to the United States.

Ambassador Scharioth Visits Atlanta, Meets Governor Perdue

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth paid his first official visit to the State of Georgia on March 27 with a whirlwind visit to the state capital, Atlanta, where Governor Sonny Perdue warmly welcomed him and commended the good bilateral German-American relations.

Registry of Holocaust Survivors Seeking Survivors Worldwide

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth is lending his support to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s new International Holocaust Survivors Outreach Project, which expands the registry’s effort to find survivors all over the world.

Ambassador Scharioth Hosts Transatlantic Celebration on EU’s 50th

Ambassador Klaus Scharioth invited future American leaders, the ambassadors of EU countries and Ambassador John Bruton, head of the European Commission Delegation in Washington to celebrate the EU’s history and contemplate visions for its future.

Ambassador Welcomes Plácido Domingo, “Die Walküre” Cast on Opening Night

Following the premiere of Washington National Opera’s production of Richard Wagner’s opera “Die Walküre” on Saturday, March 24, Ambassador Scharioth hosted a party for General Director Plàcido Domingo, the cast of the celebrated production and the opera’s trustees.

Ambassador Scharioth on “Foreign Exchange with Fareed Zakaria”

Ambassador Scharioth talked about Germany’s reinvigorated economy, relations with the United States, commitment in Afghanistan and a number of other issues on a recent episode of “Foreign Exchange with Fareed Zakaria.”

Ambassador Scharioth Visits Chicago

Ambassador Scharioth spoke to business and foreign policy leaders and visited the Chicago Climate Exchange, the Merc and the Chicago Tribune editorial board during a two-day visit to this great American city, nicknamed the “Second City.”

Bidding Farewell to German Historical Institute Director Mauch

Ambassador Scharioth hosted a farewell luncheon for Christof Mauch, the outgoing director of the German Historical Institute who has accepted a position on the American Studies faculty at Munich’s Ludwig-Maximilians-University.

Scharioths Among Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra Audience at GMU

Ambassador Scharioth and his wife were among the classical music lovers fortunate enough to catch the Washington-area performance of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra at George Mason University's Center for the Arts.