German public opinion, distracted by unification, seems more intent on blocking direct German participation in a gulf conflict.

German participation is key to the surveillance.

And German participation in a single currency will irrevocably transform Europe's financial scene.

Brundage saw the German participation as symbolic of the potential for the Olympic Games to overcome divisions to unite.

He envisioned it as a pan-Islamic venture directed by Turkey, with some German participation.

They said they were "fully convinced" that it could succeed without German participation.

It also opposes German participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Chancellor Kohl and others are urging that the Constitution be amended to allow German participation in international missions.

Why would German participation be counterproductive?

German participation depends on the approval of parliament, the ministry added.