Berlin: German position regarding Crimea has not changed
The German government affirms that it has not changed its stance regarding Russia’s annexation of the Crimea, German State Spokesperson Ulrike Demmer announced, as reported by Bild.
According to her, the position voiced by the German liberals’ leader Christian Lindner regarding Crimea does not equate to the German government’s position.
According to Demmer, the position of the Federal Government of Germany on Crimea, as in the EU as a whole, has not changed, and is clear and coherent.
The Russian annexation of Ukrainian Crimea is considered a violation of international law, casting doubt on European order.
Demmer recalled the words of Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said previously that the annexation of Crimea cannot be recognized, and that state borders must be respected.
Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democratic Party of Germany said that the matter of Crimea’s annexation needs to be “sealed” for the time being, and that progress in relations with Moscow should be achieved on other points first.
Lindner later clarified his position on improving relations with Russia and recognizing the annexation of Crimea. The German politician placed a video message on Facebook in which he claims that it would be unacceptable to recognize the annexation of the peninsula.
This was followed by Gernot Erler, Germany’s authorized representative on collaboration with Russia, who believes that it is necessary to first focus on the resolution of the bloody conflict in Eastern Ukraine, and then to return to the matter of annexed Crimea.