International History Declassified

Kohl and Rabin discuss the situation in the Near and Middle East and the changed in Syria's position toward Israel after the demise of the Soviet Union. Rabin expresses concern about the continued arms race in the region and Syria's purchases of Scud missiles from Russia and Slovakia. He also reiterates Iraq's continued capability to go nuclear within 5 to 6 years despite international arms control inspections. Last but not least, Kohl and Rabin discuss the situation in Iran and Kohl's contacts with President Rafsandjani.

Kohl and Mitterrand look into issues of nuclear power plant safety in the former Soviet Union as a key theme on the agenda of the World Economis Summit in Munich. Both complain about American and Japanese reluctance to agree on the establishment of a joint G-7 fund in this field.

Bush reports about his recent conversation with Mitterrand on the establishmet of the Eurocorps and NATO's European pillar. Kohl thinks that U.S. concerns over the Eurocorps  were exaggarated reiterating that the Federal Repubic wanted a continued U.S. military presence in Germany and Europe. Bush complains about French reluctance to expand NATO's functions including out-of-area missions.

Kohl and Amato reason about the best ways of financial assistance for Russia. They do not yet want to include Russia in the World Economic Summits on a permanent basis. There is consensus that the door for Russia must remain open, however.

Mitterrand emphasizes that Yugoslavia could turn into "a second Vietnam” in case of a Western military intervention.  He questions the rational of U.S. and British policy in the Balkans and rejects France's military involvement. Kohl rules out Germany's participation in military operations.