DGAP in the news

Russia recongnize South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Interview with Stefan Meister
26.08.2008 | News N24

In an interview with German news TV N24 Stefan Meister spoke about the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by the Russian President Medvedev. Meister pointed out, that the dynamic inside of Russia did not allow a different decision. He warned that at the moment as well in Russia as in the US the hardliner dominate the debate between Russia and the West. Therefore the EU should play a more crucial role to negotiate with Russia and to avoid an escalation of the conflict.

The Caucasian conflict intensifies

Interview with Alexander Rahr
25.08.2008 | ZDF-Mittagsmagazin

In an interview with ZDF Alexander Rahr commented on the latest intensification of the Georgian Crisis. Rahr is convinced that president Medvedev will accept the motion of the Russian parliament to support the independence bid of the two Georgian breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. For Rahr a reunification of the separatist republics with Georgia is exluded. Rahr stands up f or an active engagement of the West in the discussion on Georgia’s future. Russia shouldn’t be allowed to determine the situation on her own. Rahr considers the form of a Georgian confederation to be a conceivable solution of the conflict.

Biden as Obama’s VP Candidate

Interview with Josef Braml
25.08.2008 | Reuters TV

In an interview with Reuters TV, Josef Braml explained that choosing Senator Jospeh Biden as his running mate could also imply unintended negative consequences for the Democratic contender Obama. Biden'’s seasoned foreign policy experience once more highlights Obama'’s weakness in this important policy area and contradicts his mantra of“ "change".

Role of Western Countries in Georgia

Interview with Dr. Henning Riecke
23.08.2008 | Deutsche Welle “Journal”

In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Dr. Henning Riecke commented on the future role of Western countries in Georgia. According to Riecke, it is necessary to await further potential actions by Russia regarding Georgia. International peacekeeping forces are necessary: A chance for the European Union to support the stabilization of the country by a European peacekeeping force. Generally, the situation calls for a change in the Western policy towards Russia and the European Union has to consider confidence- building measures.

NATO and the war in Georgia

Interview with Henning Riecke
19.08.2008 | I ARD eins extra

In an interview with ARD eins extra Dr. Henning Riecke commented on the prospects of the NATO ministerial meeting. According to Riecke, the NATO will express solidarity with Georgia. Riecke states that the NATO member countries have to rethink their relationship with Russia. There will be transatlantic conflicts, but no actual measures. Georgia will have even more difficulties in becoming a member of NATO.

United in Powerlessness

Comment on the crisis in Georgia by Jan
18.08.2008 | Radio Free Europe

In a comment for Radio Free Europa / Radio Liberty, Jan Techau put emphasis on the European aspects in the Georgia crisis. For him, the old division between “old” and “new” Europe is less relevant than the fact that Europe as a whole lacks the means to influence Russian behaviour. Europe is united in powerless – and so are the United States. Neither the half-hearted softness of the EU nor aggressive American neo-conservatism offer a way out of the dilemma. It is now the time to assess the common interests (which have become more visible through the war) and devise a long-term strategy to pursue them.

Archive »