German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer on Wednesday ruled out any official apology for Germany’s ruthless suppression of rebellions when Namibia was a German colony, but indicated Berlin would increase aid once Germany’s economy recovers.
Speaking at a press conference at State House in Windhoek after a working lunch with President Sam Nujoma, Fischer said Germany stood by its past.
”I cannot make any utterance about reparations. Once the economic turnaround has happened in Germany, we can engage ourselves more actively again,” he said.
Germany ruled the former South West Africa from 1884 to 1915.
The 120 000-strong Herero tribe which lost tens of thousands killed during a 1904-07 uprising against German occupation has filed a lawsuit in the United States demanding reparations from the German government and companies that allegedly benefited from German rule.
”We discussed bilateral, regional and international issues. We share the same views internationally and appreciate that Namibia will send troops to Liberia for the UN peacekeeping force,” Fischer said.
Namibian Foreign Minister Hidipo Hamutenya told reporters at the same briefing that water and energy supply, transport infrastructure and land reform were discussed. He did not disclose any details.
Fischer explained that Germany already supported land reform with legal and technical know-how and training for newly resettled farmers.
”We will try and get more support from the EU and the European Commission. A bad example is Zimbabwe, but land reform is an issue everywhere,” he said. ”The disaster in Zimbabwe is a disaster for the whole region.”
Fischer arrived in Namibia early on Wednesday after spending a day in Mali, in west Africa, and is due to spend Thursday and Friday in South Africa. – Sapa-AFP