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Steinmeier: President Putin, untie the noose around Ukraine’s neck!
(NOTE: THIS ARTICLE IS WITHOUT SPEAKER TEXT.) Re-elected Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday in Berlin: “The office of Federal President is a non-partisan one and I promise you that I will continue to do so. My responsibility applies to all people who live in our country live. Therefore: I will be non-partisan, yes. But I am not neutral when it comes to the cause of democracy. Whoever fights for democracy… Whoever fights for democracy has me on their side , will have me as an opponent.” // “There can be a lot of discussion about the reasons for the growing estrangement between Russia and the West. You can’t discuss this. We are in the midst of a military conflict, a war in Eastern Europe. And Russia bears the responsibility for that.” // “And Russia’s troop deployment cannot be misunderstood. It is a threat to Ukraine and it should be. But the people there have a right to a life without fear and threats, to self-determination and sovereignty. No country in the world has the right to destroy it. And if anyone tries, we will respond resolutely.” // “I appeal to President Putin to untie the noose around Ukraine’s neck! Join us in finding a way that will preserve peace in Europe.”
In his inaugural speech, Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized that a way should be sought together with Russia that would preserve peace in Europe.