Chancellor Angela Merkel meet this weekend with Presiden Francois Hollande of France. Despite the rough history of tension between Germany and France, this meeting was a clear sign to the world and specifically Russia of the strength of Europe and the alliances amongst the world powers. Merkel invited Hollande to Stralsund, Germany where Germany and Russia have used this part of the country as a port for many Russian trade goods. President Hollande and Chancellor Merkel warned Russia that it would again face tough sanctions if it did not defuse the conflict in Ukraine. Putin has stated that he made steps to pull back troops from the Ukraine border, but NATO and Western leaders claim they have seen no evidence of a withdrawal by Russian Troops.
A major discussion point of the trip is surrounding the presidential election on May 25th in Ukraine, stating that the election must proceed freely and fairly and that nonmilitary combatants should turn in weapons on Thursday. However, the leaders did not explain how Europeans sent to observe and monitor the event could carry out their task.
Despite major differences between France and Germany, both sides were pictured in harmony, visitng the beautiful port of Germany. France's economy has struggled and Hollande has not been able to improve the unemployment rate. Germany, on the other hand is thriving and other European countries envy their growth.
For the full article visit the link here: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/world/europe/merkel-and-hollande-send-russia-a-warning.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimesworld
-Mike Prosia
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