(Adnkronos) – Prominent members of the German Social Democratic Party have called, in an internal manifesto, seen by Dpa, for the resumption of direct diplomatic relations with Russia, in contrast with the line promoted by the party leadership, in a government coalition with the Union (CDU and CSU). The document was signed, among others, by former parliamentary group leader Rolf Muetzenich, former party leader Norbert Walter-Borjans, foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner and several members of the German Bundestag and the Länder parliaments.
In it, the signatories call for “the resumption of dialogue with Russia – once the weapons have been silenced – on a peace and security order for Europe that is supported and respected by all”.
After the document’s content was revealed, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a Social Democrat, called the manifesto a “denial of reality”. “It violates the desire of the people of our country to end the terrible war in Ukraine,” he told dpa. (continued)
Pistorius clarified that he shared the desire for peace of many, but stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is rejecting Ukraine’s offers for an unconditional ceasefire.
“He is interrupting the negotiations. And when he carries them forward, he simultaneously bombs Ukrainian cities with even greater severity and brutality,” he explained. The document, entitled “Manifesto” and signed by over 100 people (although it is not known whether they are all SPD members), could cause unrest in view of the party congress at the end of the month.
The SPD not only wants to elect its new leadership, but also start the process of drafting a new program after the February general elections, in which it achieved its worst results ever.
