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European Parliament president praises German-Franco Ukraine initiative

Xinhua, February 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

European Parliament President Martin Schultz praised Saturday the fresh German-Franco Ukraine peace initiative, saying it gives hope for a more united Europe in dealing with the raging Ukraine crisis.

He made the remarks at the ongoing 51st Munich Security Conference, which attracts over 400 renowned decision-makers in international politics for discussions on major security issues facing the world.

Speaking during a panel discussion focusing on the topic: "The World in 2015: Collapsing Order, Reluctant Guardians?", Schultz said Europe is not prepared for the challenges that it is facing.

"What worries me is a withdrawal of European politicians from the international scene," he said.

Schultz further explained that European leaders have become more focused on local and national problems over the past years, and did not give enough attention to international developments and threats.

Another challenge that Europe is facing, he said, is that European decision-makers have difficulties to convince their citizens to believe in Europe's concepts, and "necessary decisions cannot get the necessary backing among the citizens."

Speaking of the Ukraine crisis, Schultz said: "Europe is more divided than united in times when more unity is needed than ever," adding "it was reacting very slowly compared with others."

He praised the fresh German-French peace initiative over Ukarine, adding that he sees in the efforts for the first time commitments of European countries to work together on behalf of the interests of Europe as a whole.

"I'm a little bit more optimistic that Europe could be more united in the future in dealing with the Ukraine conflict," Schultz said.

Merkel and French President Francois Hollande held talks on Friday in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the situation in Ukraine.

No details have been released about the Moscow talks, but it was revealed that the three leaders agreed a new blueprint aimed at reaching a solution to the crisis. Enditem