"We Cannot Solve Problems Without Russia"

The Group of Eight industrialized nations meet in Russia for the first time in the group's history. The G8 countries are currently facing a multitude of problems. At the summit in St. Petersburg this weekend, the world's differences with Iran, North Korea, but also the tense situation in the Middle East are certain to be on the agenda. But for Russia to become an equal partner with the other seven G8 countries, Moscow needs to further modernize and democratize. DW-WORLD.DE spoke with the German government's Russian expert about these topics and more.

DW-WORLD.DE: The Kremlin didn't want representatives from the G8 to visit the alternative discussion forum "The Other Russia." You did. Why?

Andreas Schockenhoff: I think that we have to send a signal that we support the whole spectrum of Russian society. In Moscow, I met Ella Pamfilova, who is the (Russian) president's commissioner for civil society. But I also went to "The Other Russia" which was organized independently of the (Putin) administration by non-government organizations (NGOs). I think that is the right balance.

What impressions did you come away with from that event?

One of the problems was that there was a diverse mix of participants. There were several NGOs that are well- known and have done good work for years. Unfortunately, there were also radical groups from the right and the left and who used the meeting to their own advantage. All in all, it was a very broad and colorful picture of Russian society.

But the fact that this picture is possible in Russia, and that it can appear in public, shows that developments are being made. In addition, President Putin agreed at the meeting organized by Ms. Pamfilova last week that those parts of the NGO Law that hinder NGOs in their work would be amended. There are hopeful signs that the democratic path is being stuck to in Russia despite many setbacks.

Will this event in any way influence the content and the tone of discussions during the G8 summit?

I don't think so. Putin will bring up the topic of non-government organizations and civil society at the G8 summit. The final statement from the summit should also include a passage about it and there should be agreement that the meetings with civil society groups should be continued next year under the German presidency.

What are the most important topics for Germany at this summit? Does the German delegation have concrete goals and tasks?

I think that the current crises around the world -- Iran, and particulary the most recent developments in the Middle East should give us cause for great worry. That will definitely be a topic. Looking at strategic matters, I believe first and foremost we will deal with a European energy charter and under the auspices of the G8, there will be an agreement to set specific ways of dealing with energy -- specifically, the energy itself and its delivery.

But the focus will also be on the routes of delivery and about how we can create secure, stable political conditions in those countries which are serve as transit nations for delivering energy. We have to also address the increasing hunger for energy in transition countries as well as developing countries. But while doing that, we must make sure that in order to get access to energy, we do not break certain rules and codes of conduct with regard to those countries that deliver oil.

It has to do with upholding the rule of law, human rights, creating transparency, and complying with international standards. I think that the topic of energy is a multifaceted one and it's also one of the top topics in global cooperation.

Russia has still failed to ratify the European energy charter. Does Europe have any new arguments that will convince Russia to take that step?

Ratification is a legal question. I think we have to realize politically that we are dependent on each other. Russia profits naturally from the enormous demand for energy. Russia has the second-largest oil reserves and the largest natural gas reserves. But Russia wants to and must modernize. And in the long term, Russia won't only be able to expand its power in the world with its oil and gas reserves. That's why Russia also has an interest in being a partner with Europe, but also with the United States, to modernize its economy and also its society.

What will the EU do if Russia goes through with its threat to concentrate its energy market in China and other Asian countries?

It's natural of course for Russia to turn to the Asian energy market, say China. Russia is not solely oriented towards the West. But for modernization, China isn't a possible partner. That is why Europe and Russia are dependent on each other. In fact, I think that we have a common identity. We have a common historical and cultural identity. And I think we should use these strategic questions to develop a common set of values.

Leading up to the summit, criticism has been growing that Russia is not fit for the G8, neither economically nor politically. Moscow should instead be granted observer status. What do you think?

I don't believe that. We can't solve any of the current, truly global questions, those that affect Western industrialized countries, without Russia. That applies to the current crises in the world -- for example, Iran, the nuclear proliferation of Iran. There is the Middle East. And the dangers on the Korean peninsula where after North Korea's recent atomic tests, tensions have risen. We cannot solve all of these questions without working together closely with Russia.

But even the long-term questions strategic issues such as the management of global resources, and environmental questions and many other topics cannot be solved without Russia. That is why Russia is a strategic partner. By strategic, I mean that we must work closely together with Russia not only in individual cases, but in all important global matters. And I think we have to work on a common foundation of values.

It is for this reason that we are interested in Russia's internal developments. That is why we also express our concerns when these domestic developments are going down the wrong path. That isn't meant as an attack against Russia, rather it's the result of the realization that in the 21st century we are dependent on each other and that Russia's internal developments also directly affect our own interests.

On her first state visit, Angela Merkel made it clear that she is ready to bring up "difficult" subjects with Putin. Will she stick to this stance during her visit in St. Petersburg?

Of course. We want to make it understood that Russia's domestic developments are also important to us. It was exactly for this reason that I was sent by the German government to attend "The Other Russia" conference. To show that we think it is important. To show that we realize that Russia is not homogeneous, but instead that it is multifaceted. In this respect, Angela Merkel's style is completely different from that of her predecessor (Gerhard Schröder). Therefore, I think that she has more authority in Russia, and still has developed a strong foundation of trust with President Putin.

Angela Merkel met with US President George W. Bush before the summit. Are there basic differences in the two countries' policies towards Russia?

I don't think so. I think that the US State Department has recognized that Russia is a significant partner. Without Russia, we then would have great difficulties getting across our interests in extremely difficult regions of the world. Therefore, I believe, it will be of the essence for the US and Germany to complement each other in the attempt to bring Russia into the same boat as a responsible partner.