A German political scholar has called for Europe to seek peace with Russia rather than viewing it as an adversary and to acknowledge Russia's historical contributions as the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War is coming.
Ulrike Guerot, a German political thinker, shared her views on Europe's role in global affairs and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict in an interview with China Central Television in Berlin on Sunday.
"We want to see ourselves as a European culture or civilization. We want to exit NATO. In the face of conflict, we hope Europe can remain neutral. We don't want intermediate-range missiles. We don't want to get involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict for the sake of the United States. This is not our war. What we want is peace and to establish a peaceful order with Russia, not to confront Russia," said the scholar.
The German Foreign Ministry recently noted in a confidential document that representatives from Russia and Belarus shouldn't be allowed to attend World War II memorial events at the federal, regional, and local levels in Germany.
Guerot criticized this move, calling it unreasonable and immoral.
"This is unreasonable, historically disrespectful, and immoral. Although there is a conflict between Russia and Ukraine now, that doesn't mean we should disrespect the contributions this country (Russia) made in the past," said the scholar.
German scholar calls Europe for peace with Russia, recognizing Russia's historical contributions
German scholar calls Europe for peace with Russia, recognizing Russia's historical contributions
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
