One of the key MEPs from Germany, a member of the CDU, Elmar Brok, in an interview with Deutschlandfunk shared his opinion on topical issues on the pan-European political agenda. First of all, the Europeans are worried about the Syrian drama: the whole of Europe is intently watching the first results of the truce concluded with the help of Russia and the United States. "The situation is dramatic, and I hope that this time the agreement reached between Russia and the United States will be respected and we will be able to achieve a result in this difficult situation in Syria – I mean, the fight against Daesh,’’ Brok hopes.
"If the truce continues for a week, the Americans and Russians promised that they will work together to plan an intervention, which would give a chance to end the unilateral bombing of Aleppo and other cities by Russia. And then it will be possible to reach a situation in which it will be possible to reopen the Geneva peace talks,’’ he added, noting that the continuation of the situation that has been observed so far is not an acceptable alternative. "And for this reason we have to solve the problems intelligently, despite all the geopolitical aspirations of the global powers and the goals that they are trying to achieve there,’’ he said.
The European Parliament recognizes the special role of Russia and its interests in Syria: "We should certainly accept that Russia may continue to play a role in the country, in which it has positions traditionally, but it should take place within the framework of the peace process, and if negotiations are held for the formation of a new country during the 18-month process. And it would be a real possibility for the concentration of all efforts to combat Daesh.’’ Thus Brok lamented the fact that Moscow and Damascus believe that all those who are fighting against the regime are terrorists, without actually making the distinction between opposition fighters and Daesh. According to Brock, the current Syrian government can play a role in determining the future of Syria, but not necessarily led by Bashar al-Assad.
"Assad is now unquestionably more powerful than a year or two ago. But I would not say that the truce will strengthen his position. In these hours his forces are not shelling Aleppo, the aircraft are not bombing, he is likewise observing the pause, which is a condition that everything is working, and I hope that Russia has the will to force Assad to support the truce in the following days,’’ Elmar Brok said.
The MEP separately touched on problems of pan-European politics – Europe has still not been able to position itself in Syria. "Because we are too weak. We have ‘soft power’, we provide great help to the refugee issue, we are funding the humanitarian aspects as no one else does. But we do not have political power. And I hope that these events and the events right in front of our doors will finally lead to progress,’’ Brok said. "And I also know that the Syrian opposition is waiting for the Europeans to declare themselves there finally, and do not represent a terrible sight there,‘’ the deputy underlined.
Late responses to crises are a weak point of European politics. "This is a problem that we see not only in the refugee issue. We also saw this in North Africa, and in many other cases. The understanding comes too late. In the first place, it is due to the failure of many EU member states to create a common headquarters for planning solutions to emerging crises in permanent institutional cooperation, due to the lack of political will,’’ the parliamentarian said.
It is noteworthy that Elmar Brok, unlike many of his colleagues, is excited about the exit of the UK from the EU. "I was present at a meeting of the EU foreign ministers, and saw that the British opposition to the further development of European foreign and defense policy has stopped. And I hope that this opportunity will be used. And if we want to win back the trust of the citizens we must send clear signals that together we are strengthening our ability to solve problems of internal and external security, which includes the whole complex of the Syrian issue,’’ the MEP from the CDU concluded.
