MOSCOW — Germany's foreign policy has become more independent since Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder took office, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a leading German TV network Wednesday. Posted on 08/24/2005 8:06:43 AM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
MOSCOW — Germany's foreign policy has become more independent since Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder took office, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a leading German TV network Wednesday.
In an interview with ZDF television, Putin said that under Schroeder Germany had consolidated the sovereignty of its foreign policy. "Schroeder has distinguished himself as a reliable partner sincerely seeking to develop bilateral relations - something that could not have passed unnoticed by the Russian public," he said.
In the interview, whose transcripts are posted on the presidential Web site, Putin also recalled that Chancellor Schroeder was among the leaders invited to the 60th VE anniversary celebrations in May this year, as were - for the first time in the history of Russia-Germany relations - German WWII veterans who had taken part in combat operations on the eastern front. Putin called this a qualitatively new step toward Russian-German reconciliation, attesting to a high degree of trust between the two nations, which he said had been achieved thanks to the incumbent chancellor.
The Russian president described Schroeder as a "responsible politician...a man of integrity, consistent in his actions - qualities that always form a good base for cooperation."
"I believe that to a certain extent, Schroeder is today translating into reality the fundamental ideas of German political thought, including in practical matters, for instance, with regard to the Iraqi problem," Putin said. "This is why our nations have bonded together in a positive way, too. So, whatever political transformation may occur in Germany, I am very hopeful the positive impetus in the development of Russian-German relations that has been brought about by the incumbent federal chancellor will be preserved in the future."
Putin is correct: Schroeder's foreign policy is independent of all interests other than his continuation in office -- independent even of Germany's national interest.
It WAS independent. Of reality.
Nice of Putin to inject himself into the German Federal Elections!!
This is EXACTLY what Schröder needs to help consolidate his base.
Notice the nice Iraq reference? And just yesterday, the reports that Schröder had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his opposition to the War.....
But he is NOT playing the Iraq / Anti-US card again, nope, ...
Putin is an expert on "independent", just look how he has crushed the independent press in Russia.
Ping
All habit die hard. After that what happened in Ukraine it should not be surprise for anyone.
This is cheap pro-Schroeder-propaganda in the contemporary German election rally with litte effect, since the important topics to the voters are domestic this time.
It is no wonder, that Putin was emphasising on the German refusal to take part in the Iraq crusade, since the will to join into millitary action of any kind stays distressing low inside the German public. Germans (like most of the other Europeans) do not see the WOT as their own matter of concern. Among most common people the considered opinion, that this war was just a US-Israel oil-plot is still predominant. Since the Iraq war is over, now everybody seem to need a new "Potemkin village". Therefore even the pro-America-conservative Merkel ruled out any participation of German troops in a possible new conflict with Iran. It is funny, that even such unrealistic scenarios like a involvement of German troops in a war with Iran have influence on our elections. To me it is very unlikely that there will be a full-scale war with Iran and even then, the US are for sure not dependent on German troops. The whole thing is like chasing a phantom that just doesn't exist. But - as I already said - other issues are much more important in the German election rally this time.
The relationship between Russia and Germany will stay good - even after the very probable change (to me Schroeder is already more or less history). The reasons for that are simple:
1. Germany is buying 1/3 of its engergy in Russia.
2. Germany is by far the biggest trading partner of Russia.
3. Germany has the technological and economic potential to kick off a littlebit the dozy development of the Russian economy.
4. Russia is badly in need of good friends and partners.
But - Merkel will take the chance to bind in the former Warsaw pact countries like Poland or the Czech republic - no matter if Putin likes that or not. If Germany is more concerted with its east European allies, it will get much more difficult for Putin to continue with his oppressive policy towards the former Sovjet satellite countries.
Like it or hate it - Putin is right under one certain aspect: The sovereignty of the German foreign policy is much bigger than it was under Kohl. Even if the decisions under Schroeder and Fischer were all wrong, it will be much easier for future German chancellors to say "no" to the US. This fact will make it nessecary, that both nations will pull together in one direction again. I am sure that Merkel, who is very pro-America, will find a suitable policy that will satisfy the needs of both countries.
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