Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany
Background
The Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany, also known as the Two Plus Four Agreement, is an international agreement that marked the end of the Cold War and the formal sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Germany. This treaty was negotiated between the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), the German Democratic Republic (GDR), and the four principal Allied Powers who occupied Germany at the end of World War II: the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France.
Historical Context
In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones, each controlled by one of the victorious Allied Powers. The capital, Berlin, was also divided into four sectors. Over time, political and ideological differences led to the formation of two separate German states: the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in the western zones, and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) in the Soviet zone.
Negotiation
The negotiations for the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany began in 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The negotiations were conducted through a series of meetings known as the "Two Plus Four Talks," which involved the two German states (FRG and GDR) and the four Allied Powers.
Content of the Treaty
The Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany consists of several key provisions. Firstly, it reaffirms Germany's post-World War II borders and acknowledges the inviolability of these borders. Secondly, it stipulates the withdrawal of all foreign troops from German territory by the end of 1994. Thirdly, it grants full sovereignty to a unified Germany.
Significance
The Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany is significant for several reasons. It marked the end of the Cold War, the division of Germany, and the beginning of a new era in European and world history. It also set the stage for the reunification of Germany, which took place on October 3, 1990.