Erik Kirschbaum
BERLIN, Nov. 17 (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was convinced of the possibility of finding a way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, while expressing worried the threat of ethnic cleansing in the country.
As part of a 30-minute interview, broadcast Sunday at primetime on German television, Putin also felt the annexation of Crimea by Russia was legitimate, while saying that relations between Moscow and Berlin were very good.
“Can we find a way out of this situation? Yes, I am convinced that this is possible, “said the Russian president on ARD, criticizing the way the Ukrainian government to use force rather than dialogue, rebel against pro-Russian east the country.
The interview of Russian President was broadcast shortly after the Ukrainian government reported new gunfire in several districts of Donetsk, a stronghold of separatists.
Kiev suspected insurgents preparing an offensive despite the cease-fire in effect since September 5. The truce is violated regularly in Donetsk, where rebels and government forces in blame.
Speaking to the press at the end of the G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia, US President Barack Obama lamented Sunday isolation of Russia related to the Ukrainian crisis but said it was up to Moscow to rectify the situation.
Under fire from critics of some of its peers G20 Vladimir Putin did not attend Sunday lunch and G20 leaders left the summit before its official closing
RUSSIA DOES NOT VIOLATE INTERNATIONAL LAW. – PUTIN
The ARD said that the maintenance of Vladimir Putin, who was once a KGB spy in Communist East Germany and speaks fluent German, took place . Thursday Vladivostok
“I’ll say this bluntly: we are very concerned to see the temptation to draw ethnic cleansing We fear a drift towards neo-Nazism.. There are people who wear swastikas on their sleeves and armed with SS symbols on their helmets forces, “the Russian president continued.
” That’s why we fear a drift in this direction. It would be a disaster for the people in Ukraine. “
Recognizing that he had made mistakes, Vladimir Putin, who spoke in Russian for almost all of the interview, said that a bright future awaiting the Ukraine, subject to the establishment of a general framework allowing each of minorities to find its place in the country.
“This is a great nation with great people . But, you know, it lacks one thing: the conscience decision as to achieve success, stability and growth, everyone should have the feeling of being at home in the country, regardless of language, Hungarian, Russian, Ukrainian or Polish, “said he said.
Vladimir Putin said that the annexation of the Crimea was legitimate under international law, adding that he had acted a democratic process since both the regional parliament and the people had spoken in his favor.
He noted that the Russian troops were deployed to prevent bloodshed and said he was surprised by the reaction of the West.
The annexation of the Crimea in the spring led Western countries to take economic sanctions against Moscow strengthened since with the deteriorating situation in the east of the Ukraine.
ALL THE WORLD MAKES MISTAKES
“We consider the reaction (in the West) as totally inadequate compared to what s’ happened, “said Putin, who, as the German journalist who asked, sweat appeared several times under the spotlight.
” I am convinced that Russia has any way violated international law. “
Vladimir Putin, who has many supporters in the former East Germany, said he still was working with Chancellor Angela Merkel in the direction a calm in the situation.
“It is in our interests (..) and we seek a common solution and a common policy framework. We are ready to do it, but it does poura work if we work together, “said he said.
Asked if he had made mistakes, the Russian president said that “mistakes were still made in public life and in private life.”
“Everybody makes mistakes. But what is important is to react in time to analyze and understand the error and change of behavior, do not get stuck in a stalemate but to work to find a solution. “
Vladimir Putin praised the relations between Russia and Germany. The business leaders were the most vocal critics of the economic sanctions imposed by the EU against Russia.
“If one evaluates ambience between Russia and Germany from 10 to 15 years, I think she has never looked so good. This is a very good basis to develop not only bilateral relations also put those between Russia and the European Union and beyond, international relations. It would be a shame to lose it all, “said the Russian president (Benoit Van Overstraeten for the French service)
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