Germany supports Ukraine's movement to Europe, says German politician
The European way is open to Ukraine, and Germany supports it, Foreign Policy Spokesman of the ruling Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the Bundestag Rainer Stinner has said.
"The position of the EU and the German leadership is the following – we want to sign the [Association] Agreement next year, but we can see some problems. In general, we are very positive. Our party, a liberal party, was the only one to call Ukraine a potential candidate for EU [membership] during our recent election campaign. (The elections were held on September 27, 2009.) We wish Ukraine and the EU had closer ties. The door is open, but Ukraine has to take important steps to get closer to the EU, [it has] to stick to certain criteria," the German politician said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine in Brussels.
According to Stinner, Germany also shows "some restraint and criticism regarding the judicial system and the legal system of Ukraine, as well as the imprisonment of opposition leaders."
"These are issues to be discussed," he said.
The politician reiterated that Ukraine could choose a European future.
"We don't want to apply pressure. Ukraine has to make its own decision, and the European way forward is open, wide open, for Ukraine," he said.
The official also noted that the judicial system and European and German human right activists' complaints about treatment of prisoners are Ukraine's problems.
"There are several pending issues. I think that a potential way forward is more important than the selection of a certain date [for the signature of the Association Agreement] – December, February, or March. Once again – we want Ukraine to be closer to Europe and we are not competing with Russia to lead Ukraine anywhere. Ukraine should make its own decision," the politician said.
Stinner also said that an EU-Ukraine Summit was necessary.
"I always say that there should be more discussions. We should meet and discuss problems before we achieve some progress. In general, I think all issues should be settled via their discussion, instead of putting them aside," he said.
In addition, he noted that Bundestag members in charge of foreign policy development support the further liberalization of visa regime.
"This refers to Ukraine, as well as Russia and other countries. If you want to show European lifestyle to your neighbors you should not prevent their trips to Europe to see what Europe actually looks like," Stinner said.
At the same time, the politician said he regrets that German parliamentarians in charge of foreign policy always have to argue with the parliamentarians in charge of domestic policy, as the latter always fear that liberalization of the visa regime may cause damage to the country's security.
"I don't see this. I receive many addresses from out business community saying that today both Germany and the EU pursue visa policy that brings no benefit to our economic relations, as well as human contacts. I think the procedure should be simplified, and in the end a visa free regime will be established between Ukraine and the EU," the politician said.
