Guido Westerwelle: I hope the Association Agreement will be signed this year
On March 2 the German Vice Chancellor, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle began his two-day visit to Ukraine. During his first visit to our country, the head of the German diplomacy is supposed to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Kostiantyn Hryshchenko, as well as opposition representatives. His talk with the students of the Shevchenko National University was also scheduled for the first day of the visit.
What expectations does Germany, the EU’s biggest state, have in regard to relations with Ukraine? What matters more for today’s Germany — European values or Russian gas? German Foreign Minister Guido WESTERWELLE answers these questions in a special interview to The Day.
The world’s eyes are now fixed on North Africa. You recently visited Tunisia and other countries in the region. What processes are under way there? How would you describe them?
“Of course, each country is special. I was deeply impressed by the power of the peaceful demonstrations and changes in Tunisia and Egypt. At the same time, I am appalled by the brutality with which the regime in Libya treats its own people, and therefore, the international community will not just look on. Given all the differences between the specific countries, these demonstrations do show one thing in common: people aspire to democratic changes, and they want them now. We support this. That is why we, Europeans, offer our southern neighbors help in order to strengthen their societies and democratic institutions, and in order to support their economic development.”
It is very important for Ukraine that Europe perceive it first of all as a reliable partner. Since 1992 our country has been taking part in peacekeeping missions. However, at the 47th Security Conference in Munich, Ukraine, for some reasons, was never mentioned. Why? Does it mean that Europe has lost interest in Ukraine?
“Under the current circumstances it is not surprising that the Arab world was given top priority at the security conference. Yet at the same time Europe is very much interested in close cooperation with Ukraine. Just one example: we have an action plan to achieve a common goal, a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens; we have the Eastern Partnership; and, just recently, in November, 2010, we held the EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels. Also, we consider Ukraine’s active participation in the UN peacekeeping missions and its cooperation with NATO as an important contribution to supporting international peace.”
Ukraine has changed considerably over the last year. Some authors and experts even maintain that the country has made a U-turn. Don’t you think that Europe is also partly responsible for this? It offered too little incentive and too many exceptions, in particular, regarding the free trade area. Could you please comment on this?
“It is only the people inside the country who can decide which way Ukraine is to move. The EU placed an attractive offer on the table — the Association Agreement with a comprehensive chapter on free trade. It might give Ukraine’s economy an impetus for further development and growth. That is why I hope that the Association Agreement will be signed as early as this year.”
A considerable part of Ukrainian and international experts believe that Germany is primarily oriented towards Russia. What is more important for today’s Germany — European values or Russian gas? And what do you think of former German chancellor Gerhardt Schroeder’s receiving his salary from the Russian prime minister?
“Since the early days of the Federal Republic, German foreign policy has rested on two foundations: European integration and trans-Atlantic friendship. Respect for human rights and acknowledging basic freedoms is a history of success for the EU, and is a priority in our policy. Therefore I reject as ridiculous any allegations to the effect that German policy is shaped by means of ‘Russian gas.’
“Germany and the EU follow a consistent diversification policy in the energy sector, in order to enhance their energy security. What unites us with Russia is a strategic partnership that goes beyond the limits of energy issues. But it would contradict our fundamental interests if we subordinated our relations with Ukraine to the relations with another nation. We are part of a common space of security and stability, and we bear joint responsibility for it. This requires close and trusting relations with all our neighbors.
“Speaking of the activities of former federal chancellors of Germany, it is their personal decision, and I will not comment on it.”
Recently there have been many statements from EU and US representatives concerning the cases of “selective justice” in Ukraine and the curtailing of freedoms. On January 4, the German Minister of State at the Foreign Office Werner Hoyer said that the persecution of former members of Yulia Tymoshenko’s government by the incumbent regime might become a serious obstacle on Ukraine’s path to the EU. Are you going to address this issue during your meetings with the Ukrainian authorities?
“The president of Ukraine and the Ukrainian government emphasize their desire to continue the process of approaching the EU. We welcome and support their efforts. But this also means that both European and democratic values must be preserved. Among them is the independence of the judiciary.”
What messages do you intend to put across to your Ukrainian counterparts during the talks in Kyiv, and what are Germany’s expectations concerning the development of relations with Ukraine? What do you think of the reforms in Ukraine?
“My counterparts in Kyiv will be the first to receive my message. But on the whole, we see ourselves as Ukraine’s partners, and we want to support it in its reforms. We encourage Ukraine on its way to the EU and see the association and free trade agreements as yet another important step in this direction. We are prepared to help Ukraine in implementing the action plan concerning the visa regime. And we support any earnest effort of the Ukrainian government toward reform.”
We held a little poll in our office. The question was: what is your first association when you hear the word Germany? These are the responses we got: Oktoberfest, the Reichstag, the Dresden Gallery, German accuracy, German machines, Angela Merkel, and German philosophers and poets. And what are your associations when you think of Ukraine?
“Euro-2012, the Orange revolution, and the beauty of the Crimea.”
