Sigmar Gabriel
Foreign Minister of Germany Sigmar Gabriel stated that if the relations with Moscow to use only the methods of intimidation, it will lead to greater tension. About it reports Deutsche Welle with reference to policy article in the newspaper Rheinische Post.
According to the Minister, “contrary to international law annexation of Crimea by Russia and the situation in Eastern Ukraine has severely damaged trust” between the countries, and NATO’s response to these events was correct.
“But if we follow exclusively the logic of deterrence, we will contribute to escalation,” — says Gabriel. In his opinion, “not idly by to observe how the security architecture is likely to turn into a heap of ruins of outdated, canceled and no case to comply with the treaties”. “A required joint efforts in arms control. This will benefit both Europe and Russia”, — said the politician.
The Minister also proposed to return to a comprehensive conventional arms control in Europe and at the same time to tighten rules and procedures in the field of nuclear arms control.
Crimea became part of Russia after the March 2014 referendum in which the majority of inhabitants of the region have supported such a decision. Kiev, the EU and the USA refused to recognize results of plebiscite. In Moscow insist that the accession of the region conform to the norms of international law.