peacefully living together. We see ourselves as an equal part of the new Europe M I RH/35 A/S-18/PV. 2 167 (Mr. Ebeling, German Democratic Republic) that does not threaten anybody and is not aimed against anybody. That continent can look back on a long common history, and it can look forward to a great future. It is well on the way to growing together, into a single economic area, indeed to an ever closer confederation. The division of Europe will be overcome with the unity of Germany. We in the German Democratic Republic have come into an inheritance which is not easy: economic and technical development has not kept up with world standards, the state of our housing got worse from year to year; the ecological condition of our rivers, lakes, forests and fields, and the state of the water, air and soil is critical in many regions, and above all, after decades of spoon-feeding and tutelage by the State, many people have lost their own initiative, their commitment and their spontanaiety. However, what all have in common today is new hope and the will to shape the future. In spite of the big challenges and problems our country is faced with, the Gov.ernment of the German I)e!Tk)cratic Republic will not forget the concerns and needs of people in other parts of the world. We do not intend to tackle our own problems egocentrically, but we have sentiments of solidarity with those countries confronted by similar problems of economic and structural reform, of democratization and environmental protection. The German Deioocratic Republic's asset is not big money but personal commitment, expertise and human understanding of the problems of a country in the process of building and restructuring. We can solve numerous problems better through common efforts, and we can learn from each 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement from the government of the German Democratic Republic, highlighting its commitment to peaceful coexistence, economic development, and international cooperation. The text mentions specific challenges such as economic and technical development, environmental issues, and the need for personal commitment and expertise to solve problems. It also expresses solidarity with other countries facing similar challenges.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief