ToAnzler urged to remain in a dialogue with Russia, but to conduct it taking into account the values and interests of Germany. Merkel called the agreement with the United States on the Nord Stream-2 a positive step, but admitted that it does not eliminate all differences
Angela Merkel
In the future, Berlin should continue to maintain a dialogue with Russia, but conduct it on the basis of Germany’s interests and the values that it supports. This was stated at a press conference by Chancellor Angela Merkel, addressing her potential successor in this position.
“I think we should always be interested in continuing the dialogue with Russia,” she said (quoted by Reuters).
The Chancellor expressed regret over the decision of the Russian authorities, who recognized three non-governmental organizations from Germany as undesirable, calling it a blow to relations between the two countries. Since two of them were participants of the Russian-German forum “St. Petersburg Dialogue”, Berlin had to cancel a joint meeting of the board. Merkel also noted the differences between Russia and Germany on the issue of Ukraine. “Despite this, [it is necessary] to remain in the dialogue and try to find solutions,” she believes.
Speaking about the deal between Germany and the United States on the Russian gas pipeline “Nord Stream-2”, Merkel called it a “positive step” for both sides, as well as for Ukraine, but admitted that it would not solve all the differences.
According to the Chancellor, she hopes that Russia will not use the pipeline as a weapon or pressure on the Ukrainian side, but if this happens, Berlin is ready to react. “After all, we have the tools to do something,” Merkel said, while expressing the hope that it would not be necessary to impose sanctions against Moscow.
On July 21, Germany and the United States agreed on the “Nord Stream-2”. In a joint statement of both countries, they confirmed that “they will take measures against Russian aggression and destructive actions in Ukraine and beyond”. In particular, if Russia tries to “use energy as a weapon”;,Germany will require the EU to take “effective measures”. The German side also pledged to seek an extension of the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine for another ten years after 2024. After the talks in Washington, Merkel called Russian President Vladimir Putin, they discussed Ukraine and gas transit.
In September, parliamentary elections will be held in Germany, in which Merkel will not participate. Armin Lachet will become a candidate for the post of Chancellor in the upcoming elections from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) bloc.
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