German Foreign Minister calls for new arms control deal with Russia
In an article written for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated that he wanted to avoid a new arms race with Russia to ensure peace in Europe. The Foreign Minister suggested that Russia take the lead on disarmament in an attempt to restore trust between Moscow and the West, Radio Polsha reported.
According to Steinmeier, by annexing the Crimea, Russia “violated international law and called into question the foundations of peace in Europe.” He added that despite these violations and the significant differences between Moscow and the West, it is necessary to “build bridges”.
He went on to stress the need for new security initiatives, including a new nonproliferation deal on conventional arms which would be "a proven means for transparency, risk prevention and trust building."
"At the same time, we must all be united in the desire to avoid a further twist in the escalating spiral," the German Foreign Minister added.