May 2, 2017
17:00
Sochi
Press statements
and answers to media questions following meeting with Federal
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.
President of Russia
Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,
I would like
to begin by thanking the Federal Chancellor for coming
to Sochi and for the opportunity to have
a meaningful conversation on preparations for the upcoming
July G20 meeting in Hamburg, and review urgent matters
on the bilateral agenda, as well as exchange views
on current international issues, including the Syria crisis
and the situation in Ukraine.
First, I would like
to note that Russia seeks to promote mutually beneficial cooperation
with the Federal Republic of Germany based on the principles
of respect, equality and consideration of each other’s
interests.
Despite the well-known
political challenges and fluctuations in the global economic
situation, the Federal Republic of Germany remains one
of Russia’s leading foreign trade partners. In terms
of bilateral trade, we were pleased to note that trade has started
to grow. In fact, bilateral trade surged by 43 percent
in January–February 2017.
We also noted that Germany
is a major destination for Russia’s natural gas exports, since
Russian gas accounts for 35 percent of Germany’s market.
Germany is the number
one investor in the Russian economy with investment exceeding $16
billion. German businesses benefit from all the opportunities
and privileges available for working on the Russian market.
There are about five thousand companies with German capital in Russia with
a total turnover of more than $50 billion.
It is encouraging that
the Russian-German Strategic Working Group on Economic
and Financial Cooperation has resumed its work recently. It was designed
to resolve specific issues for streamlining business-to-business ties
and helping companies implement major joint projects.
We hope that this year
German businesses will play a more prominent role at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
During the talks, we
naturally raised the issues of deeper humanitarian cooperation,
developing academic contacts and cultural ties. However, we paid
the most attention to the international agenda.
As for preparations
for the forthcoming G20 summit, we will discuss them in detail
at our working breakfast immediately after this meeting, ladies
and gentlemen.
Allow me to stress that
Russia and Germany cooperate productively within the framework of the G20,
particularly in combating the financing of terrorism, money
laundering, tax evasion and corruption.
Russia is ready
to provide the German presidency with all the necessary
assistance and help to ensure that the summit in Hamburg is
fruitful, adopting conceptual and consensual decisions on most acute
problems of the world economy and finance.
At a recent
restricted format meeting, as I already said, we spoke about
the situation in Ukraine, which causes serious concern.
Ms Merkel
and I always keep in touch, just as with the other
Normandy format participants. As you may know, we had a telephone
conversation on April 17.
The Normandy Four,
undoubtedly, should continue dealing with the Ukrainian crisis. That is,
our work in this format will continue after the presidential election
in France, as we agreed during the latest telephone
conversation.
Today we have reaffirmed
the need for the parties to strictly observe the Minsk
Agreements. We agreed to focus, among other tasks, on separating
the forces and assets of the parties
to the conflict, which should completely stop the attacks,
establish a direct dialogue between Kiev and the unrecognised
republics, legislatively formalise the special status of these
regions and hold elections there on the basis of such
legislation.
Press statements
and answers to media questions following meeting with Federal
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.
We believe the OSCE special monitoring mission undoubtedly plays a stabilising
role in the conflict zone. Tragic incidents like the recent
explosion of an OSCE vehicle, without a doubt, cause significant
harm to the peacemaking efforts and lead to further
escalation of tensions. Therefore, an impartial investigation into
what happened is necessary.
As you may
recall – and I am compelled to mention this – three
years ago today, a horrible tragedy took place in Odessa, when
Ukrainian nationalists forced helpless people into the Trade Union House
and burned them alive. To this day, the guilty have not been
prosecuted and punished. The global community does not have
the right either to forget about it, or to allow similar
barbaric crimes to happen in the future.
We also exchanged opinions
on the current situation in Syria and spoke
for energising the negotiations within the Astana
and Geneva formats. We believe that a solution
to the Syrian issue can only be found by peaceful means
and under the aegis of the United Nations.
Russia has drawn attention
to the need for a thorough and comprehensive
investigation into the incident of April 1 in Khan
Shaykhun. We strongly condemn any use of chemical weapons. Those guilty
of killing Syrian civilians must be found and punished, no question
about that. However, a thorough and impartial investigation is
required.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to note that my talks with Ms Merkel are always
based on mutual interest, openness and constructiveness.
Over the decades since
WWII, Russia and Germany have travelled a long and difficult
path of convergence. Our common task is to not lose
the experience we have accumulated, and to develop bilateral
cooperation for the benefit of our peoples,
in the name of peace and security in Europe.
Thank you.
Federal Chancellor
of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel (retranslated): Thank you very much.
I also think that this
is a very good opportunity to hold these talks, so I thank you
for the invitation to come to Sochi.
We have already had
an intensive first part of the talks, so I believe that
during the second part we will focus more on our German presidency
in the G20, along with other issues.
Many thanks to Russia
for acting as a constructive partner in making the G20
summit in Hamburg possible. We have developed a comprehensive agenda,
and global events show that what we need is multilateral cooperation that
benefits everyone, and we will continue to work in that spirit.
We started our talks
by discussing bilateral issues. We also noted progress in economic
cooperation. Of course, I would like us to lift
the sanctions upon implementation of the Minsk agreements.
There is a connection,
of course. Nonetheless, we are developing bilateral contacts within
the framework of the economy, youth exchanges and science.
In a week, we will mark the 72nd anniversary
of the end of World War II. I would like to remind you
about this.
Two years ago, I was
in Moscow on the occasion of the 70th anniversary
of the end of World War II. I would like to pay
tribute to the memory of those who died in that war. We
must not forget about this. We must remain guided by this spirit.
I would also like
to thank the Russian Federation and the President
for making sure that taking care of the military graves
of the German soldiers who died in the Soviet Union is
a matter of course. This is very important for the people
affected by World War II.
Press statements
and answers to media questions following meeting with Federal
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.
We also noted progress made
by the Petersburg Dialogue, which has already become a forum
where various critical issues are discussed openly. It is important for me
that our civil societies maintain exchanges despite their different positions.
In this regard, we also
noted and talked about the possibilities of civil society
in Russia. I touched on the subject
of the German-Russian House in Kaliningrad. I believe we
managed to find a solution to this issue, and we will be
able to resolve it.
I once again noted
the importance of observing the right to assembly
and of non-governmental organisations to work freely.
I also said that we received negative reports about what is happening with
homosexuals in Chechnya, and I asked the President
to use his influence to protect the rights of minorities.
The same applies to Jehovah's Witnesses.
We also discussed
the international agenda. Our latest telephone conversation
in the Normandy format was very important. We agreed to continue
this format following the presidential election. This is a very
difficult process.
Sometimes we see backsliding
and our progress is slow. And, of course, the work of OSCE
observers is very important. It is especially sad and horrible when people
who advocate the de-escalation of conflicts become the victims
of these conflicts. We must make every effort to solve this problem.
Unfortunately, there has not
been much progress, and we have to continuously remind
of the starting point of the Minsk agreements, about
the need for a truce, after which come the political steps.
We have begun working on parallel tracks, but of course, the truce
is of great importance for subsequent developments, as are
prisoner exchanges and the political process we agreed
on in Minsk.
On behalf
of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Foreign
Minister, I can say that we will make every effort to make progress,
despite all the difficulties.
We also spoke about
the situation in Syria. As Federal Chancellor, I noted that
we want to do everything possible to support a truce,
a ceasefire, and to help people there. I believe this is
the approach that should be continued.
I think we can also
discuss the situation in Libya. We are united when it comes
to the fight against international terrorism, and Germany
and Russia can cooperate more closely here. Germany, as part
of the anti-ISIS coalition, makes its contribution to combating
international terrorism. And we have the same stance on this
issue.
We have held very
substantial talks and will be able to continue them following this
news conference. I think there are different opinions, but international
politics means that we must seek and find dialogue.
Particularly in light
of the upcoming 72nd anniversary of the end of WWII,
we must do everything in our power to bring peace
to the world.
Question: Madam Federal
Chancellor, you spoke about Ukraine. Is it not more realistic to consider
a new agreement, because de facto the separation
of the territories controlled by the separatists is moving
forward on the ground – suffice it to mention
the introduction of passports and the ruble? What do you
think about sending UN observers there?
And Mr President,
a lot of people from the opposition have been detained
in recent weeks in Russia. Why is the leadership so harsh
on these opposition activists, and what can you do to end this?
Angela Merkel: I do
not think it is advisable to enter into new agreements. I am also
displeased that we are seeing stronger and stronger trends toward
separation: expropriation of enterprises, a transport blockade
and other issues. We must study these matters very carefully and do
everything possible to reverse course. Of course, all this is
connected with the slow political process directed at achieving
a future settlement.
Press statements
and answers to media questions following meeting with Federal
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.
Of course, we want
to ensure that Ukraine gets access to its state border, which is also
part of the Minsk Agreements, and then to ensure political
solutions that will allow local elections to be held. We have not achieved
this yet.
However, this does not mean
that we can simply forget about the existing agreement and must move
toward concluding a new agreement. That is to say, the issue is
not that of a new agreement, but implementing the provisions
of this agreement. And this is the key to solving
the problem.
My strong request
to the Russian President is to do everything possible
to ensure a truce, because only then will we have
the prerequisites for solving the existing problems, including
the status of this region.
As for sending UN
observers, we spoke about this. However, we are in agreement that
the work of the OSCE representatives is very important. I want
to specifically reassure the OSCE representatives – they must
receive significant support from us. It does not make sense here to look
for other formats that will not be of much use.
Vladimir Putin: Let me begin
with the first part of your question. Thank you for both
the first part and the second part. I hope that out
of respect for your readers, listeners, and viewers, you will do
your best to convey as accurately as possible what I say
when answering the first and second parts.
First, regarding the events
in southeastern Ukraine – this is the result
of a coup, an unconstitutional change of power
in Kiev.
Secondly, no one has
separated these territories; they are being separated
by the Ukrainian authorities themselves, which set up all kinds
of blockades. I draw your attention to the fact that Russia
is still supplying a significant amount of goods, including energy,
and coking coal for the Ukrainian metallurgical industry.
However, the Ukrainian
authorities are the ones responsible for the blockade of these
territories. No one introduced the ruble as an alternative
currency. It is that the Kiev authorities have essentially withdrawn
the national currency of Ukraine – the hryvnia – from
circulation, and people in these republics, these territories, had no
other choice but to introduce alternatives.
They announced that almost
all currencies, including the Russian ruble, can circulate there, but
given the special economic links, the ruble certainly dominates
the currency market there.
Now, with regard to privatisation,
or rather the nationalisation of enterprises, the seizure
of enterprises. No one seized these enterprises from their legitimate
owners. But since these enterprises, which are located
on the territory of the unrecognised republics, have been
denied the ability – and I want to emphasise
this – to obtain raw materials from Ukrainian territory, or ship
products to Ukrainian territory, people who work at these
enterprises – so as not to be left without the means
to survive – had no choice but to introduce temporary
management. I want your readers, viewers and listeners to know
about this. No one took anything away from anyone.
Finally, how can these
enterprises exist if they are completely deprived of the opportunity
to receive at least something for their economic activities,
since the Kiev authorities have cut off all financial ties with this
territory? Banks do not operate there, and the Ukrainian financial
system does not operate there on the initiative of the current
Kiev authorities.
Our partners in Europe
said some time ago that they are ready to help the Ukrainian
authorities to ensure the normal functioning of financial
institutions, at least temporary ones. Unfortunately, our partners
in Kiev have done everything possible to prevent these wishes
and plans of our European partners from being implemented. Therefore,
everything happening there is forced measures.
I agree with
the Federal Chancellor that we cannot and should not come up with any
alternative to the Normandy format and the Minsk Agreements,
because new plans cannot be devised until basic results have been achieved
on what we mapped out in past years.
Press statements
and answers to media questions following meeting with Federal
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.
As regards
the OSCE, I have already mentioned this in my opening
remarks: the OSCE plays an extremely important role and it is
necessary to do everything possible to ensure that the OSCE can
do its work.
Now as regards protest
actions in Russia and the conduct of our bodies
of authority, I discussed this with the Federal Chancellor.
I drew her attention, and want to draw your attention,
to the fact that Russian law enforcement agencies are far more
restrained and lenient in their conduct than their colleagues
in some European countries, where tear gas and batons are used against
demonstrators. We have no need for that so far, thank God.
Our law enforcement
and judicial bodies are acting within the confines of existing
Russian law and will continue to do so in the future,
observing proper procedure and discipline as well
as the right of all Russian citizens to express their point
of view, but, I repeat, within the confines
of the law.
Question: Mr President,
Madam Chancellor, in your opening remarks, you already mentioned
the Normandy format, that it will continue its work after the new
President of France is elected. But there are serious doubts about its
effectiveness, because there have been no results. The Minsk Agreements
are lagging (as you said yourself).
Could you assess how
effective this format is? Perhaps some efforts are required to revive it.
What needs to be done, in your opinion, so that it could finally
start working properly?
Vladimir Putin: This format
works. If we did not have it, things would be much worse than they are now.
This is a result, and an important result, I can assure
you.
But what more has to be
done? Ultimately, we have to get representatives of the Kiev
authorities and representatives of these unrecognised republics
to meet for talks. The conflict cannot be resolved without
direct dialogue between the parties to the conflict; it has
never happened any other way in the world. I hope this is
achieved someday.
Of course, we have
to be consistent in implementing existing agreements. I will not
go into detail, but when we last met in this format in Berlin, we
spoke and argued about this at length, and our positions no
doubt differ on certain points.
I am absolutely
convinced that the current Kiev authorities quite possibly missed
the chance to implement the Minsk Agreements
at a moment when they had significant domestic political
opportunities. Now there are fewer – the opportunities
at the highest levels of government are much more limited now
due to a whole range of circumstances, including
the economic and domestic political situation.
Yet, we must continue our
efforts in the Normandy format, within the Minsk Agreements.
I will reiterate: no new plans can be made without implementing
the previous ones.
Angela Merkel: We have
different views on the causes of this conflict, we do not share
this point of view, and we believe that the Ukrainian government
came to power through democratic means and the President now has
the responsibility to implement the Minsk Agreements.
Despite this, we have agreed
to continue using this format to prevent further escalation.
Of course, we are not satisfied with the implementation
of the Minsk Agreements, but we are engaged in a process
that is preventing the situation from deteriorating.
Before we founded
the Normandy format, many people had been killed, and sadly, they are
still being killed. Based on the talks I had with
the Ukrainian side, I know that they also feel committed
to the implementation of these agreements. We are conducting our
dialogue directly through the Contact Group.
Federal Chancellor
of Germany Angela Merkel.
The step we have
to take is to create a situation that would allow us
to ensure that there is legitimate leadership on the territories
of Lugansk and Donetsk. Here, a road map is needed,
and certain efforts are required. The programme is already
on the table, and we have to continue working on this
programme.
Question: Madam Federal
Chancellor, there are accusations that Russia influenced the election
campaign in the US by manipulating public opinion. Can you be
sure that Russia will not interfere in the election campaign
in Germany?
Mr President, you are
considered the person who has the most influence with Bashar
al-Assad. Is your influence with him as significant as they say?
Or is your interest in winding down this horrible war not that great?
Are you prepared to support security zones in Syria?
Angela Merkel: I cannot
say anything about the US presidential campaign. I am not afraid. If
there is clear disinformation, as in the case
of the girl Liza or in Lithuania now, where certain
accusations have been made against our soldiers, we will, of course,
handle it, and work with our citizens.
We know that cybercrime is
an international threat; you can read about it anywhere. And,
of course, hybrid warfare plays a certain role in Russia’s
military doctrine. However, I am confident that we will hold
the election campaign by ourselves, with all the different positions
in our political arena represented.
Vladimir Putin: We never
interfere in the political affairs or the political
processes of other countries. And we certainly do not want anyone
to interfere in Russia’s political affairs either.
Unfortunately, we are
witnessing the opposite: for many years, we have seen attempts
to influence Russia’s domestic politics, both through so-called
non-governmental organisations, and directly.
While recognising
the harm of such attempts (as well as their futility), we
have never thought about interfering in the political processes
of other countries. This is the first thing I would like
to say.
My second point. You
mentioned the US and allegations that have never been confirmed. It
is just rumours used in the internal political struggle
in the US. And you are making assumptions regarding European
countries, including a friendly country like Germany. I find this
strange.
Finally, Syria. President
al-Assad is mostly influenced by the Syrian people. The people
are quite obviously divided and we are seeing big problems within Syrian
society.
Our goal is to create
conditions for unification, for the cessation
of hostilities, for ending the mutual destruction
and for political cooperation between all parties
to the conflict.
What might these conditions
be? First, a ceasefire. We achieved it with our Turkish and Iranian
partners within the framework of the Astana process. We believe
the ceasefire regime should be consolidated. In fact, our
representatives in Astana will work on this tomorrow
and the day after tomorrow together with the Syrian parties
to the conflict. We will also maintain contact within
the framework of the negotiating process in Geneva.
Needless to say, it is
also impossible to resolve these problems without the participation
of the United States. Therefore, we are, and will continue
to be, in contact with our American partners.
I hope we will achieve
understanding there concerning joint steps in this very important
and sensitive area of global politics today.
Question: Good afternoon,
I have a question for both leaders. To all
appearances – in fact, you have said it yourselves – you have
focused on international issues. Perhaps my question will sound
a little crude but are our bilateral relationships still alive? Do they
have a future? Or do you only deal with crises?
Press statements
and answers to media questions following meeting with Federal
Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.
The G20 summit– where
you will soon meet – traditionally addresses economic issues. There are
still a lot of economic problems in the world. If there are
some positive developments in Russian-German relations, maybe we could
jointly contribute to improving the global economic situation?
Vladimir Putin:
I already said in my opening remarks that Germany is Russia’s
second biggest trading partner, after China. This represents a great deal
of mutual interests. Germany is in the top position
in terms of investment in the Russian economy: over $16
billion.
Incidentally, Russian investors
have also invested a significant amount in the German economy:
over $8 billion. Our cooperation maintains dozens if not hundreds
of thousands of jobs in Germany and in Russia.
Our cooperation is not
a myth, not some paper signed by myself or the Federal
Chancellor. The fates of enterprises and hundreds
of thousands of people are behind it. And of course, our
cooperation makes a substantial contribution to global economic
stabilisation.
Are there any prospects?
Of course, there are. As I have said, January-February saw
a 43 percent increase in trade between Russia and Germany. This is
a very good indicator.
Yes, there are still
a lot of problems; yes, there are still a lot of impediments,
but this is precisely what we are going to discuss within
the framework of the G20 negotiating process proposed
by Germany, and beyond it.
The focus will most
certainly be on what further action can and should be taken
to eliminate impediments to global economic development.
I hope the G20
platform, on which Germany is currently working, will help us in this
regard.
Angela Merkel: I share
this view, despite the existing differences.
The President drew
attention to the way economic relations are developing,
and there are also long-standing ties in science and research,
but people-to-people contacts are very important.
Young German students are
studying in Russia and people from Russia are studying
in Germany; there are youth exchange programmes, which are working very
well. Despite our differences on political issues, we should support these
youth exchanges.
I would like once again
to draw your attention to the Petersburg Dialogue. There was
a dramatic discussion in Germany as to whether we should
invest in expanding the Petersburg Dialogue. Former foreign minister
Frank-Walter Steinmeier and I said the Petersburg Dialogue
should move forward despite the fact that sometimes there are highly
emotional discussions, because without this kind of dialogue we will
eventually end up in silence and with less mutual understanding.
Of course,
the process is rough going; sometimes we discuss the same topics,
marking time. There are issues that can be described in three words,
for example, the Steinmeier formula.
Nevertheless, we should
always make efforts to maintain dialogue. When we talk to each other,
we understand each other better. If we look at our centuries-old history,
we should understand that we need to always maintain dialogue because
every conversation, every discussion teaches us something.
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