Merkel insists despite the reactions: Russia should not be excluded from the European architecture

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Speaking at an event to mark the 110th anniversary of Goslar in Lower Saxony, Mrs Merkel, while making clear she was not commenting on the current federal government’s policy, came out for the second time in a few days in favor of not excluding Russia from a future relationship with Europe.

The former chancellor spoke of a “profound turning point” marked by February 24, 2022 and of the “greatest violation of the principles of international law in Europe after World War II” Angela Merkel referring to the Russian attack on Ukraine, he emphasized, however, that the planning of the “long-term pan-European security architecture – including Russia” is also necessary.

Speaking at an event to mark the 110th anniversary of Goslar in Lower Saxony, Mrs Merkel, while making clear she was not commenting on the current federal government’s policy, came out for the second time in a few days in favor of not excluding Russia from a future relationship with Europe. “February 24, 2022 marks a profound turning point. Furthermore, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine constitutes the biggest violation of the principles of international law in Europe since World War II. But work must be done on a pan-European security architecture – including Russia, even if this would require great courage,” said Mrs. Merkel, admitting at the same time that “today this goal may seem as unrealistic to us as it did to Adenauer in 1950 in Goslar the reunification of Germany”.

A few days ago, Mrs. Merkel, speaking at the opening of the “Helmut Kohl” Foundation, said that if Helmut Kohl were Chancellor today, he would do everything to protect Ukraine, but he would also do the almost unthinkable, he would think about next day and that there can be relations with Russia again. Her statement drew a reaction from outgoing Ukrainian ambassador to Berlin Andriy Melnyk, who commented: “It’s hard to believe: the former chancellor, who made Moscow’s aggression against Ukrainians possible with her long-standing pro- Putin is shamelessly philosophizing about how there can be relations with Russia again.”

Referring to Germany’s current position, however, Mrs. Merkel emphasized that “there is no reason for complacency”, but expressed the belief that “with sufficient strength and self-confidence, this crisis can also be overcome”, a statement that was received with applause from the audience .

RES-EMP

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