German Foreign Minister: Security and stability in Europe could only be achieved with, not without Russia

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European Union should not get itself isolated from Russia following the latter's action regarding Georgia, stated Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier Aug 31.

According to the ministry's head, criticism of Russian leadership for its action does not alter the fact that security and stability in Europe can be only achieved with, not without Russia. Europe might only harm itself if Europeans unleash emetions and shut all doors closed, the official argues. Steinmeier said that, to his opinion, the daily emotional outburst against Russia should be stopped — the situation is heated enough without it.

As reported earlier, a EU summit is convening in Brussels Sep 1, 2008. Supposedly, a ''European response'' to the events around South Ossetia is to be articulated at the meeting. EU leading countries are to discuss prospects of relations with Russia in the context of the Caucasus crisis. Most experts suppose that EU is not going to impose sanctions against Russia, since it might trigger unwanted economic consequences for Europe itself.