Page 55 - bne_December 2018_20181207

bne December 2018
Opinion 55
and will continue to look for a diplomatic way to establish it. Merkel made it very clear that no matter how much criticism the Minsk agreement might get, this is the strongest reason to continue sanctions against Russia. Progress in the Minsk
“Germany supports the idea of deploying a UN peacekeeping mission to Donbas”
process is the only grounds on which Germany could consider softening the existing sanctions, said Merkel when answering questions from Ukrainian journalists.
Peace and security weren’t the only topics in Merkel’s
press statement. She reminded her audience of German financial support and announced an additional €85mn
of support that will be given to Ukraine. Social infrastructure in Eastern Ukraine, support for internally displaced persons, development of Ukrainian science, and continuing the progress in decentralisation remain priority spheres
for Germany.
To maintain the amicable atmosphere of the presser, neither Poroshenko nor Merkel touched upon issues of energy security and Nord Stream 2. Nord Stream 2 remains a bitter pill in relations between Ukraine and Germany
and there are no signs that this will change any time soon. Nevertheless, this issue was raised during the meeting with heads of parliamentary factions. Merkel’s answer was far from surprising: Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project that is highly interesting for German business although some guaranteed transit amounts should go through Ukraine.
Merkel’s visit seemed very friendly and pleasant. No big shocks, no surprises. At least, the public part of it. Aside
from a lack of change in the position towards Nord Stream
2, Merkel said all the things that Ukrainians wanted to hear. Cooperation between Germany and Ukraine is on a good path and will continue growing; German’s support for Ukrainian sovereignty, self- determination and territorial integrity are unquestionable and sanctions against Russia won’t be lifted as long as there is no lasting peace in Eastern Ukraine.
Even if it wasn’t intended, Merkel gave an important positive image present to Poroshenko who badly needs recognition of his achievements right at the start of next year’s presidential race.
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