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03Jan14

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Munich Security Conference to focus on Syria, Ukraine - German diplomat

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The 50th Munich Security Conference due to take place in the Bavarian capital from January 31 to February 2 will focus on the situation in Syria and Ukraine, and other key international issues, organiser of the forum, German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger said on Friday, January 3.

Heads of state and government from 18 countries, foreign and defence ministers from 50 countries, as well as 10 leaders of different international organisations gave applications to take part in the conference, Ischinger said.

Russia is expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the German diplomat said.

Germany's delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Defence Minister Ursula Von Der Leyen.

The United States will be represented by Secretary of State John Kerry, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and several Senators, Ischinger said.

After the National Security Agency (NSA) found facts of spying and data collection the United States shows special interest in the Munich Conference. "They know that trust was caused serious damage. Much should be explained," he added.

German ex-chancellor Helmut Schmidt, French former president Valery Giscard D'Estaing and U.S. former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger will be honourable guests at the conference.

German President Joachim Gauck will open the Munich Conference and give a speech.

The Munich Security Conference was set up in 1962. Its first sitting was held in 1963. Then it gathered annually with two exceptions: in 1991 the forum did not take place due to the war in the Persian Gulf and due to the change of the forum's leadership.

In 2007 Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the Munich Security Conference, which became one of the key platforms to discuss international issues, foreign political and security issues.

[Source: Itar Tass, Berlin, 03Jan14]

Syria War

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