August 27, 2008 (LPAC)--In an op-ed for today's issue of Germany's major tabloid Bildzeitung, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote: "We are faced with a very grave situation in foreign policy. The conflict in the Caucasus threatens to go into further escalation. If we don't watch out now, the entire security architecture in Europe will be destabilized--with unpredictable consequences for all of us.

"Some people are just now playing with fire--on all sides. The spiral of provocations must stop, and must do so instantly. Otherwise, the situation will get faster out of control than we believe.

"With the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia is escalating the conflict further. That is irresponsible. But exactly because of that, we here in the West must not act in an unwise way. To be carried away by emotions right now, would be wrong. We have to prevent the virus of separation and war from spreading to other regions. We here in Germany know: Conflicts can only be solved in a common approach and in a climate of respect and trust. That is why we now need the return to responsibility and reason."