[Text/Observer Network Qi Qian] On October 6, local time, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended the commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
reviewed the history of " Süddeutsche Zeitung " since its inception in 1945, experienced Cold War and German reunification , Merkel talked about the Ukraine crisis in her speech. Merkel called February 24 "a profound turning point". She reiterated that the international community should take the speech from Russia seriously, "rather than treating it as a bluff from the outset."
Merkel said that in today's "shocking" situation, Western society's steadfast efforts to preserve and commit to restoring Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity are "crucial". She criticized Russia's "invasion" of Ukraine, saying Russia "is undermining the foundations of all agreements reached by the international community, including the former Soviet Union and Russia, in the OSCE and the New Europe Paris Charter ". But she also added that the Ukrainian crisis should be handled with an eye toward the present and the future.
Merkel says lasting peace in Europe can only be achieved with Russia's participation. "In my opinion, this can be combined with considering what currently seems inconceivable, how to develop the future European security architecture within the framework of international law , which is ultimately only possible in countries including Russia ," Merkel told the audience, that without this, "the Cold War will not really end". In
's speech, Merkel repeatedly praised the values of press freedom such as diversity and inclusiveness that the Süddeutsche Zeitung has always displayed.
Merkel speaks again, the picture is from "Süddeutsche Zeitung"
In December last year, Merkel stepped down as German chancellor, ending the 16-year Merkel era. Merkel grew up in East Germany and speaks fluent Russian. During her time in power, Germany has maintained close ties with Russia. After
left office, Merkel rarely spoke publicly about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which once aroused criticism from Western public opinion. In a brief statement in February and a public speech in June, Merkel, while condemning Russia, called for the West to maintain dialogue with Russia.
Merkel said that Putin's speech should be taken seriously , pictured from German media ZDF
It is worth mentioning that Merkel's recent two public appearances reminded the Western society that Putin's speech should be taken seriously. On September 28, local time, Merkel attended the opening ceremony of the former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl Foundation, saying that Putin should be regarded as a serious dialogue partner, and his speech should not be ignored, but should be "Take it seriously (Worte ernst nehmen)".
Merkel also assumed how former Chancellor Kohl would have handled the Ukraine crisis if he were alive.
Merkel said she believed Cole would "do whatever it takes to protect and restore Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity," while also looking to the future, considering "what is almost unthinkable at the moment, how to re-evolve with Russia. Relationship".
"Russia Today" said that in a rare speech on the 28th, Merkel was referring to Putin's statement on September 21: While announcing partial mobilization, he emphasized that the Russian army will use "all weapons and equipment" and "All military power" to accomplish its mission. Western analysts generally believe that Putin's "all means" includes nuclear weapons .
Source: Observer Network
