Oh they’ve elevated it to an art form. They did actually say quite a lot while saying so little though, always pay close attention to what they’re comfortable talking about (such as Germany’s stance towards the ICC and the rule of law) vs. what they’re not comfortable talking about (what that stance implies, concretely, in this situation). If you think that’s unsatisfactory then they will, I quote, take notice of that, but they won’t humour you and spell out what can be inferred so you (or rather press) have a soundbite that would cause the foreign service diplomatic headaches.
And, yes, the journalists have also elevated making them squirm to an art form, to make sure that the interviewed officials don’t waffle when it is merely convenient, not expedient (at least according to the officials). Also of note the conference is run by journalists, not officials.
Oh they’ve elevated it to an art form. They did actually say quite a lot while saying so little though, always pay close attention to what they’re comfortable talking about (such as Germany’s stance towards the ICC and the rule of law) vs. what they’re not comfortable talking about (what that stance implies, concretely, in this situation). If you think that’s unsatisfactory then they will, I quote, take notice of that, but they won’t humour you and spell out what can be inferred so you (or rather press) have a soundbite that would cause the foreign service diplomatic headaches.
And, yes, the journalists have also elevated making them squirm to an art form, to make sure that the interviewed officials don’t waffle when it is merely convenient, not expedient (at least according to the officials). Also of note the conference is run by journalists, not officials.