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Germany Is Crux of Russia Talks

Merkel could be valuable go-between

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 25, 2008 10:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – A fretful Eastern Europe is hoping Germany can play a key diplomatic role in its stare-down with Russia, the New York Times reports. Until recently, relations between Moscow and Berlin were too cozy for the Caucasus’ tastes, but East German-born Angela Merkel has distanced herself from Russia just enough to be a credible mediator, criticizing the country's leaders on democracy, press freedoms, and human rights.

Germany remains close enough to Russia, however, thanks to intertwined business interests. “Germany is the one country that can warn Russia,” one expert said. “Russia does listen to what Germany says.” Suspicious of Georgia’s Mikheil Saakashvili, and burdened with domestic issues in an election year, Merkel has resisted the mediator role up to now. But the invasion likely changed all that—Germany understands what’s at stake.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Dmitry Medvedev and Angela Merkel walk to a joint press conference in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. Merkel arrived in Russia on a one-day working visit. (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)

Angela Merkel looks at Dmitry Medvedev, during a joint press conference, Aug. 15, 2008. Merkel said some of Russia's actions in Georgia have been "disproportionate." (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel walk to a joint press conference in the Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)

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Germany is the one country that can warn Russia. Russia does listen to what Germany says.
- James Sherr, director of the Russia Program of the Royal Institute of International Affairs

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Germany Is Crux of Russia Talks