A New War in Europe That Must Be Prevented, Gregor Gysi et al, Die Linke leader - 03 Mar 14

The leaders of the German party DIE LINKE, Katja Kipping and Bernd Riexinger, and the Chairman of the DIE LINKE Parliamentary Group Gregor Gysi have made the following statement on the situation in Ukraine:

We are deeply concerned about recent developments taking place in Ukraine. There is an urgent need to find a diplomatic solution, also regarding the dispute over the Crimean Peninsula. An imminent split of the country must be avoided. Violence cannot continue to be used as a political instrument in this conflict.

The interests at stake regarding Crimea are well-known and secured by treaties. However, they may not be enforced by military means. We are appealing to President Putin to abstain from using troops and arms. We are, however, also appealing to the transitional government in Kiev to assume a de-escalating role. Vitali Klitschko’s call for general mobilisation is not helping the situation, but rather the opposite. The prevailing motto can only be: dialogue instead of sabre-rattling; diplomacy is the way forward.

Germany can and should play a positive role in resolving this conflict. The Federal Government and EU leaders are adhering to false Cold War ideas. We must secure Russia as a reliable partner; a partner that plays an important role in Europe. Hence, the EU and the German Government need to approach Vladimir Putin and seek dialogue. Due to his excellent contacts to the Russian President, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could act as a mediator. Russia and Vladimir Putin have the right to be taken seriously.

However, if NATO tries to interfere in the conflict, the Federal Government is urged to interpose its veto. Recent German history certainly demands that.

The conflict arising from the crisis in Ukraine can only be settled by means of a resolution with Russia and not against Russia. The EU and the USA must realise this. The current situation demands the presence of an institution that both sides in the Ukraine and in Russia can and want to talk to. The UN could assume this role and, due to his great integrity, the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan could also play an important role in resolving this conflict.

1914 was the year that marked the outbreak of World War I and hence the beginning of the great seminal catastrophe of the 20^th century. In 1939 Germany started World War II. A new war in Europe must be prevented by all means.