Frank-Walter Steinmeier
The Minister of foreign Affairs of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier believes that the efforts of Russia and Turkey in the negotiations in Astana will remain “intermediate stage”. He stated this in an interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung, reports RIA Novosti.
According to the foreign Ministry, the Russian military operation in Syria “contributed to the fall of Aleppo” and supported the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. “But that’s not the solution for Syria. Both Russia and Turkey know that the solution to this conflict can succeed only with the participation of those players who has always been involved in the Syrian conflict… Both countries are interested to share responsibility for a political decision between several participants,” he said.
Steinmeier expressed confidence that Moscow and Ankara “will give talks under the trusteeship of the UN.” However, he noted that the Syrian conflict is an example of the inability of the security Council of the negotiations. “I consider the Syrian crisis a chronology of missed opportunities. From the beginning,” said the Minister.
He also acknowledged that the international community began to perceive Russia as a serious player on the world stage against the backdrop of its large-scale operation in Syria. “Maybe many in Russia is a short-term satisfied. However, Russia should not engage in self-deception,” — said Steinmeier, stressing that Russia will not be able to find partners only with its restored military power. “Moscow will inevitably have to resort to finding a partner and political means, if she wants to play an influential role in the world,” he added.
25 Jan Steinmeier said that terminates at the head of the German foreign Ministry. As a candidate from the social Democrats he will take part in the presidential election which will be held in Germany on February 12.
Negotiations in the capital of Kazakhstan on Syria took place from 23 to 24 January under the mediation of Moscow and Ankara. Representatives of the armed opposition and the government delegation agreed to continue contacts. The Russian delegation handed over to the opposition proposals for amendments to the Constitution of Syria. Currently, in the Arab Republic operates the basic law, adopted in 2012.
Russia strikes on terrorist groups in Syria from 30 September 2015, expanding on the basis Hamim the brigade special purpose (currently has 44 aircraft and 16 helicopters). With the request for military assistance to counter the militants, including the “Islamic state” and banned in Russia “dzhebhat an-Nusra”, Moscow asked Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad.