May 5 — Denmark (1945), The Netherlands (see Liberation Day (The Netherlands)) (1945)
62 years later...... :
May 5, 2007:
Germany ' s FM Steinmeier in Bethlehem
(it was the very first Palestinian – German contact on highest level since the new Hamas-Fatah government was formed exactly 7 weeks http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6461067.stm ago)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/070505/world/mideast_palestinian_eu_3&printer=1
Seize rare Mideast chance for peace: German FM
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AFP) - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Saturday urged Middle East players and the international community to seize what he called a rare opportunity for peace.
Steinmeier hailed what he called a more constructive attitude from the Arab world to seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after visiting the Church of the Nativity in the occupied West Bank town of Bethlehem.
"Realistically one must say that there are opportunities now that were not there in the past, but at the same time the risks are just as high," he told reporters.
"The opportunity lies in the fact that the Arab world is being much more constructive -- the Arab League's decision to renew its peace initiative was more than helpful -- and I am pleased that it was also welcomed by the Israeli government."
Steinmeier, whose country holds the rotating presidencies of the European Union and the Group of Eight club of wealthy nations, said the positive momentum now needed to be spurred further with help from the West.
"The European Union is ready with funds but above all the international quartet is ready to offer political support," he said, referring to efforts by the United States, the EU, the United Nations and Russia to plot a roadmap for peace.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2473551,00.html