Nato entry may spark war
2008-09-25 18:30
Berlin - Former German Chancellor Gerhard
Schroeder warned Nato on Thursday that allowing aspiring member
Georgia, with its "unpredictable" leader, to join the defence
alliance could lead to an armed conflict with Russia.
Schroeder, a close personal friend of Russian Prime Minister
Vladimir Putin, said he had been shocked at the one-sided
approach western nations had taken in their dealings with Russia
over its conflict with Georgia.
"Whoever brings Georgia into Nato must know that in light of
- I will put this politely - the unpredictable nature of the
current leadership and an encirclement policy (towards Russia)
which is supported by the United States - Nato could end up
getting entangled in a conflict," said Schroeder.
"What that would mean - both historically and for the
development of future relations - for German soldiers to
participate in such a conflict must be stated openly," said the
Social Democrat in a speech at an energy conference.
His stance is at odds with that of conservative German
Chancellor Angela Merkel who, with other European Union members,
has condemned Russia's military response against Georgia in
South Ossetia as disproportionate.
Schroeder also said ensuring energy supplies to Europe was
important but that a multilateral approach, including Russia,
was needed.
"Plans ... to make energy policy a task for Nato are absurd
and would lead us into an extraordinarily difficult security and
foreign policy situation," he said.
Germany relies on Russia for about 44% of its gas
imports and Schroeder said it was important that energy routes
to the country were renewed and extended.
Schroeder developed a close relationship with Putin during
his seven years as chancellor and is chairperson of a German-Russian consortium that is building a gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea.
Schroeder has previously urged the EU to pursue a "strategic
partnership" deal with Moscow, arguing Europe risks losing
influence if it does not work with Russia.