NOVO-OGARYOVO. Oct 29 (Interfax) - German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel believes the conflict between Russia and the West is interfering with the solution of problems in today's world and calls to look for ways to resume cooperation.
"If we look at today's world and what is happening in the world, it can be said that the conflicts that have arisen between Russia and the West, Russia and the EU and the U.S. complicate joint solution of these conflicts. My personal opinion is that we should do everything to reach agreements and leave behind all past situations in the past and look for new ways to resume cooperation, especially between Germany and Russia," Gabriel said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The German politician said he believes that the Ukrainian conflict is more of a consequence than the cause of the worsening of the relations between Russia and the West.
"The Ukraine conflict is a symptom, not the cause of all problems," he said.
Gabriel expressed understanding that the U.S. is the main partner for Russia to discuss Syria and Ukraine issues, but added that Germany and the EU will also be important partners.
""The main thing is to do everything for the implementation of the Minsk protocol. The task is that you and Ukraine should fulfill everything that is envisaged by the Minsk protocol," he said.
Gabriel said he sees the main problem in the provisions dealing with the Russian-Ukrainian border, which, according to the Minsk agreements, will be controlled by the Ukrainian government.
"We should do everything to resolve this conflict, especially bearing in mind that there are sides in the U.S and in Europe that even benefit from the continuation of this conflict."
"As to our economic relations, of course, there are various opportunities to preserve these relations despite the political problems that exist. And our businessmen are trying to use these opportunities. You know, of course, that such a platform has been created for businessmen […] and our businessmen will meet within the framework of this platform," Gabriel said.
He expressed confidence that the administration of Gazprom and Germany "will continue going in the direction of Nord Stream 2."
"It's our interests. Not only the interests of Germany, but also outside it, it's a very interesting project. The main thing in this regard, as far as the legal issues are concerned, is that it should all stay in the terms of reference of the German bodies. If we can do that, the possibility of external interference will be limited," Gabriel said.
Gabriel said the sides have chosen the right course in the negotiations on this project.
"We have taken the good path of negotiations on this matter. To limit political interference in these issues, we need to resolve the issue of the role of Ukraine as a transit country after 2014," Gabriel said.
He recalled that the condition of the gas transport system in Ukraine is "not very good," but said he believes that "it will play a financial and political role for Ukraine as regards gas reverse."
"As for the other issues, we can deal with them. The main thing is that the settlement of these issues should stay in the hands of the German bodies to limit ourselves to the issuance of relevant reports and then we can limit the possibility of political interference in this project," Gabriel said.