Merkel being considered for mediator role in Europe-Russia talks – Spiegel

The former chancellor is being called “the best candidate” for two reasons

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is considered the optimal mediator for negotiations between the EU and Russia, according to Spiegel.

In political circles, Merkel is being described as the best candidate for the role of mediator because she personally knows both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another factor being considered is the fact that she has been out of the office for quite a long time.

The former chancellor’s office said that no official requests regarding her participation in negotiations have been received so far. It also did not answer whether Merkel would be willing to take on this role in the future.

European countries want to take a direct part in dialogue with Moscow, taking into account the previous experience of US mediation. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stressed that it would be “not very wise” to let the Kremlin dictate the choice of negotiator itself.

Munich Security Conference Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger noted that the mediator should have broad support across the entire EU. The agreement of Eastern European and Baltic countries is considered especially important in this matter.

On May 9, the Russian leader said he considers former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder the best EU candidate to participate in possible negotiations on ending the war.

The idea was rejected in Germany. One German official stressed that Schröder’s candidacy as a mediator between the EU and the aggressor country is not being considered.

On Monday, May 11, media reports said Berlin is discussing the candidacy of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as a possible negotiator between Europe and Russia.

Read the complete article here.