a Washington and Berlin argue whether or not to invite to the next summit of the "Big seven" Moscow. Donald trump would like to see at the talks of Vladimir Putin and foreign Minister of Germany Heiko Maas points to the impossibility of communication with the Russian leader over Ukraine. The Kremlin answer is that he did not aim at G7 and would prefer meeting "nuclear five," the five permanent members of the UN security Council. About which scenario is most likely — in the material RIA Novosti.
"Security is not a commodity"
The Federal Republic of Germany and the USA celebrate this year’s 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Union of Washington and Berlin is a guarantee of Euro-Atlantic security. But the jubilee could be overshadowed.
In early summer it became obvious that the US President is not bluffing and really is ready to withdraw from Germany 9.5 thousand American military. The main reason is the unwillingness of the German authorities to increase spending on NATO. Not satisfied with the White house and the fact that Berlin refuses to lower tariffs on American goods.
"trump confuses NATO trade organization. Safety is not a commodity, and it can only be mutual," — objected to the American leader, the Minister of defence of Germany Annegret Kramp-of Karrenbauer. But in vain.
"If the Germans want to be under our protection, let them pay off debt and increase contributions to the NATO budget" — retorted the former American Ambassador in Berlin Richard Grenell. Trump sided with him.
There is no unity on the issue of European energy security. The Americans continue to insist that the "Nord stream — 2" and "Turkish stream" reinforce the dependence of Europeans on Russian gas and create political risks.
The Germans don’t agree, they don’t like the interference of Washington. Americans stand on his own, through sanctions against the European participants in energy projects in Russia.
"anti-China Alliance"
It seems to be about Moscow Berlin Washington consensus: do not recognize the reunification of Crimea with Russia to support Kiev in the conflict in the South-East of Ukraine. But other issues have recently emerged differences.
The state Department announced last week that it plans to create an Alliance against China. And Mike Pompeo suggested to involve Moscow. President trump thought about the idea to invite to upcoming in September, the G7 summit Vladimir Putin. Although no restoration "Big eight" is not, it is a good opportunity to discuss anti-Chinese Alliance — so, apparently, judged in Washington.
Germany has a different logic. Angela Merkel said that China is indeed becoming a "major foreign policy challenge" not only for USA but also for Europe. However, according to ka��of Clara Germany, while no country was able to confront China.
"the transformation of the G7 into an anti-Chinese Alliance does not meet the interests of Berlin" — I’m sure Merkel.
She’s still hesitant to go to the summit in the US in the midst of a pandemic.
The head of German diplomacy Heiko Maas opposed the intentions trump’s call for the summit Putin.
"the Crimea and the military conflict in the South-East of Ukraine affect the exclusion of Russia from the G8. Yet these issues, I don’t think it is possible to restore the membership of Moscow in this format," he said.
And added: this does not mean that dialogue is impossible. Maas pointed out that without Russia not to advance in the resolution of conflicts in Ukraine, Syria and Libya.
the Consensus on "the summit of the five"
To the discussion responded in Moscow. The foreign Ministry and the Federation Council has ruled out participation in any anti-Chinese associations, stressing that cooperation with China is a priority for Russia.
"Group of seven" has become a tool demonstrate the unity of the Western world, but ceased to generate new solutions. Russia is always ready for dialogue in any format, but only on the precondition of equality of participants", — said the head of the Federation Council Committee on international Affairs Konstantin Kosachev.
Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow is not aiming to return to the "Big seven".
"Russia is satisfied with the effectiveness of the G20, which better responds to current economic realities", — said Peskov.
It is recognized in the G7. Considerable interest was also aroused by the initiative of Vladimir Putin to organize a summit of the five States permanent members of the UN Security Council.
"Very much has accumulated in the international Affairs of uncertainties, which require constant attention of the leading countries of the world, the official nuclear powers. Therefore, such a meeting is, in my opinion, timely, relevant and would be useful", — said the President of Russia his idea.
Long discussions about the format and agenda of the "summit of the five" was avoided. USA, France, China, the UK proposal was supported by Russia and agreed that they have something to talk about.
Pre – "summit of the five" planned for September. The pandemic is not excluded the option of a videoconference. Now determine the range of topics for discussion. It is known that the focus will be the situation in the conflict regions, the control of strategic weapons and the joint fight against terrorism.
Pragmatic view of Russia
Specialist European center for security studies George Marshall PAL Dunay in an interview with RIA Novosti warns against hasty conclusions. Current us-Hermancal contradictions on many international issues, including Russia’s participation in the G7, according to the expert, "war of words".
"Berlin tries to avoid public skirmishes with Washington. The German establishment realizes that all actions trump now due to the American election campaign. The US President is trying to demonstrate the determination against the allies, even if it’s to the detriment of Euro-Atlantic security. But the fundamental questions — whether "Nord stream — 2," the stay of American military in Germany, the cooperation with Russia — the German government clearly articulate its position," explains the Danube.
Speculation around the upcoming G7 summit, the expert considers far-fetched. He drew attention to the fact that almost all in the "Seven" times admitted: it is pointless to try to solve global problems without such regional powers as China, India, South Africa, Brazil. Aware of the EU and Russia’s important role in resolving a number of middle East conflicts, stresses the Danube.
"Europe pragmatic look at Russia, can not be said about America. Trump’s rhetoric about Putin’s invitation to the G7 summit — no more than a populist move. Germany ties with Moscow as the minimum energy. And then Berlin’s position is clear: despite Washington’s pressure, the Germans will not abandon the "Nord stream — 2". Even if it’s done with a delay of," says the Danube.
Director General, Russian international Affairs Council (RIAC) Andrey Kortunov believes that the G7 is currently not in the best shape, but Russia is not the only bone of contention.
"Group of seven" is forced constantly to compare themselves with "summit" (G20). And not in their favor. But the debate about Moscow’s involvement in the upcoming summit interesting. It shows that the West recognize the inevitability of confrontation with China. Russia’s return to this format would prove its identity to the West. This would mean that we are still focused on value, the North Atlantic civilization. But in a geopolitical adaptation of Russia is unlikely," says Kortunov.
The experts agreed that the stage of reconstructing and understanding the objectives — not the best time for the rebirth of the G8. Much more promising "summit of the five". The permanent members of the UN security Council does not always hear each other in the discussions. It is not excluded that the personal meeting of the heads of state to change the situation.
