Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz: "It makes no sense to talk about ice age between Russia and the US"

The British side has initiated the suspension of political dialogue with Russia on the background of the active position of Moscow on the situation in Syria and Ukraine. Almost all political contacts were abruptly interrupted, the political dialogue at the highest level has been reduced to nothing. Despite of this the countries of mainland Europe are trying to maintain contacts with Russia, and the dialogue, although very difficult, is present. The former German Ambassador to NATO in London, Moscow, Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz, spoke with Vestnik Kavkaza about the Russian-German relations against the backdrop of recent events .

- How would you describe the current relations between Germany and Russia?

-Russian-German relations have improved since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of Germany. I myself have participated in those events, as ambassador to Moscow and then as a chairman of the Russian-German alliance on youth exchanges. To date, the exchange has reached 120 thousand people. We have an excellent basis for the development of the relations not only at the level of governments and politicians, but also at the level of society, youth, student exchanges, twinning of cities, and of course, business ties.

Meanwhile, the events in Ukraine and Crimea have caused great disappointment of the German society, because for the first time in Europe the borders have been changed in such a way in a violation of the principles and commitments. This has resulted in dissatisfaction, but I hope it will be overcome.

- What is your attitude to the actions of Russia in Syria?

- Initially, it was an internal conflict in the Middle Eastern country, which seemed far enough. But, unfortunately, the conflict was exacerbated by the fact that  the external forces of different religions, beliefs and interests were involved there. In this regard, the situation is becoming more and more complex. The actions of the armed forces of Syria supporting President Bashar al-Assad have led to mass migration to Central Europe, to Germany. Now we know much more about this conflict and do our best to resolve it.

- What actions is Europe taking?

- We do our best to accept them in terms of humanity, to give them shelter, food. We try to integrate them, give language lessons and so on. This is a difficult challenge.

- What are the relations between Germany and the countries of the South Caucasus?

-We have good relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. Our business is also represented in the countries of Central Asia, the Caspian region, the Black Sea countries. In short, it is a very positive development.

-Do you see any ways of resolving the Karabakh conflict?

-I have been in Azerbaijan several times. I'm afraid I do not see any prospects of solving this frozen conflict in the near future. But we support the parties in their efforts to find a peaceful solution.

-What relationship has been established between Germany and Turkey?

- Turkey is a good friend and ally. Germany and Turkey are NATO members, and realizing the danger of an exacerbatiin of the conflict in Syria, we have placed troops and missiles on the Turkish-Syrian border in order to protect Turkey.

Turkey has been negotiating for several years to join the EU. During a recent visit to Turkey, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed support for the intensification of the negotiations. We have a special relationship due to the fact that a large Turkish population is living in Germany. Many arrived as guests and live there in the third generation.

- What, in your opinion, should Russia and the United States do to break the ice in bilateral relations?

- I do not think it makes sense to talk about an ice age. The relationship continues. I do not have a single friend who would be happy about the complications in the relations between Moscow and Washington. Taking into account Russia's concerns in connection with the entry of Ukraine into a free trade zone of the EU on January 1st 2016, the German government has offered to discuss possible problems and solutions between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union. I think this is a very encouraging step forward.