The Kremlin's press secretary has commented on German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's candidacy as a negotiator between the EU and Russia.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, told Sputnik News that anyone can engage in dialogue with Moscow, but what truly matters is the political will to resume talks.
Speaking about Steinmeier’s potential role as a candidate for EU negotiations, Peskov said: "Right now, it’s like reading fortunes in coffee grounds—listing all the well-known names. Anyone can do it; the key issue is having the political will to restart dialogue."
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin, when answering journalists’ questions about possible negotiation partners between Russia and Europe, stated that, personally, he would prefer former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. However, he also emphasized that it should be up to Europeans themselves to choose leaders they trust and who have not made sharp statements against Russia. Putin stressed that it is Europe—not Russia—that has refused negotiations.
Subsequently, Der Spiegel quoted sources saying that Germany’s ruling coalition, composed of the CDU/CSU alliance and the Social Democratic Party, is discussing the possibility of appointing German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as an intermediary in talks between Europe and Russia.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1864958447000588/
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