BERLIN
A solution to the Crimean crisis can only be found through negotiations that include Russia, Dr. Hans-Joachim Schmidt, a leading expert from the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF), told AA.
“The German government still favors cooperation with Russia. Because we think that we cannot solve the whole crisis without the support of Russia,” Dr. Schmidt stressed. “Despite the tensions and the misbehavior of Moscow, we still need Russia for a solution.”
The German government has condemned the Russian intervention in Crimea describing it as “a clear violation of international law,” but so far it has refrained from any moves towards strong political or economic sanctions against Russia.
PRIF’s international security expert Dr. Hans-Joachim Schmidt said that Germany is still looking for ways to bring all sides to the negotiating table.
“Domestic negotiations may be one part of the business but it is more important that the Ukrainian government is also speaking to the Russian government and EU representatives to take part in these negotiations,” Dr. Schmidt.
“Additionally, it is important that the OSCE is involved to calm the situation and to bring all sides back to the negotiating table. Here efforts of Switzerland are also important. They have good contacts in Russia, and Switzerland now has the leadership in the OSCE troika.”
Dr. Hans-Joachim Schmidt said that if efforts for a political solution fail, Ukraine may face civil war and disintegration.
“Disintegration of Ukraine is also a high risk. We see to some degree that central the government in Ukraine does not have the whole territory under control. The Ukraine could become another failed state,” he said.
“We have heard that they have no money. They need foreign financial assistance to run the government and also the country. Neither the EU nor Russia can stabilize the economy of the Ukraine alone. Only together they can do that. So I think it is necessary that we cooperate. This is also the reason why the German government still favors cooperation with Russia.”
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