Merkel: ability to demonstrate strength and readiness for dialogue are needed in relations with Russia
German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that NATO must combine a demonstration of power with a readiness for dialogue in relations with Russia, Deutsche Welle reported.
The annexation of the Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine have caused concern among the Baltic countries and Poland, and the situation in Moldova raises questions in Romania and Bulgaria, Merkel said in a weekly video message on Saturday, May 6.
According to the Federal Chancellor, it was important to these countries that NATO reacts to what is happening and, for example, sends troops to the Baltic countries.
"Germany has always followed very closely so that, on the one hand, it demonstrates its readiness to defend the entire territory of the Alliance, and on the other, does not break off negotiating contact with Russia," Merkel said.
She stressed that all measures are taken in such a way as to not violate the NATO-Russia Founding Act and ensure the further work of the NATO-Russia Council.
In her video message, the Chancellor of Germany opposed the fragmentation of NATO's single responsibility zone, which would make it so that the U.S. and Canada would be responsible for security in America, and only European partners would be responsible for Europe. She stressed that the Alliance should act as a single organization in all of its aspects and missions.
At the same time, Angela Merkel denied the view that since 2014 NATO has been once again focusing more on protecting the territory of the member countries of the alliance and, in this regard, recalled the NATO mission in Afghanistan.