The following portion of the Press Briefing concerns the Church of Scientology in Germany and in particular, a condemnation of the Church's newspaper ads in which the current treatment of Scientologists in Germany is compared to the treatment of Jews in the Nazi era.
QUESTION:
In your introductory remarks, you did not mention Scientology. You
probably do not want to play this up, but nevertheless, I would like to
ask the question whether you raised that issue, and do you think that
this might still become a burden on relations between both countries?
FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL:
Yes, we talked about Scientology. In an interview with a newspaper a
couple of days ago, I said something that I intend to repeat now. I said
that the American side, due to the fact that they have their
constitution, sees some of the things somewhat differently from the way
in which the German side sees some of the things. But, this is not an
issue that plays a decisive part in bilateral relations between our
countries, or could negatively affect relations between our countries.
This is not the case. I said we have a partnership, we have friendly
relations, and there are sometimes questions where we do not agree. It
would be very peculiar if that were not the case. So we should play it
down. The issue of Scientology should be played down, especially as far
as bilateral relations are concerned. Do not take this to be a burden
between us.
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT:
Yes, we did discuss it as the Foreign Minister has expressed, and
clearly it is a subject that needs to be worked out in bilateral
relations. But, I must say, any discussion which draws comparisons
between what happened under Nazism and what is happening now are
historically inaccurate and totally distasteful.
FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL:
Thank you, that is important for us.
QUESTION:
Madam Secretary, I think the comparison really is to the early days of
Nazism, when Jews and other groups were identified. Germany is making an
effort now to single out and identify Scientologists. The comparison to
the Holocaust may not be germane, but the identification and
separateness of some people may be germane to the discussion. How do you
feel about that? And, Mr. Foreign Minister, are you still pushing and
supporting the French idea of a "quint" summit when you say there should
be some discussions before Madrid. Or, is it enough, as the Secretary
feels, to talk to Yeltsin, to have a meeting in Denver, etc., etc.
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT:
Let me just briefly answer. I think the issue here is one that can be
resolved amicably and bilaterally between the U.S. and Germany, and
comparisons that exacerbate the situation are not useful.
FOREIGN MINISTER KINKEL: Yes. Perhaps just one final remark, if I may. Well, I do not know you, so I do not know where you come from, but, I want to make it very clear that we have religious freedom in Germany. Scientology and its members are not being persecuted, in no way whatsoever. Scientology has to abide by the German laws and regulations. This is what we expect of anyone who lives here, who works here. You know that we have a judgment by a court of labor that has made it very clear that we perceive Scientology not to be a religious organization, but a profit-making organization. But this is not persecution. These people are free, Scientologists are free. And we are not willing to accept this comparison. Again, as I said, don't exacerbate the situation.
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