Gerhard Schroeder
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is confident that no subsequent President of Russia withdraws from the Crimea the country. He stated this in an interview with Stern magazine.
Schroeder recalled that Crimea was part of Russia from the XVIII century. “I predict that there will be the Russian President, who refuses to Crimea”, — he said.
According to the former Chancellor, there is the risk of alienating Russia and Germany. “Many Russians are disappointed with German politics, especially in terms of sanctions,” — said Schroeder.
He also criticized the placement of German soldiers in the Baltic States on the border with Russia and called on the current politicians in Germany not to be guided by the interests of the United States. “The United States is not interested in a strong Russia, but Europe, especially Germany, and other interests,” he said.
Speaking about Russian President Vladimir Putin, former German Chancellor said that they remain friends, maintain personal relations and “will continue to do it.”
Gerhard Schroeder served as German Chancellor from 1998 to 2005. When it was signed the agreement to build the North European gas pipeline (Nord stream). After leaving the post of Chancellor schröder headed a Committee of shareholders North European Gas Pipeline Company, the operator of the North European gas pipeline.
Crimea reunited with Russia on the results of the March 2014 referendum in which the majority of voters the people of the region supported this decision. Ukraine, the EU and the USA refused to recognize results of plebiscite. In Moscow claim that the issue of ownership of the Peninsula is closed, and insist that the accession of the region conform to the norms of international law.