German politicians stress cooperation in the wake of the suggestion that Germany finance Polish armaments as reparations for World War II.
Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, hadproposed that Germany provide Poland with military equipment, emphasizing that“Poland is a frontline state.”
Poland has been vocal in its demand for what it says amounts to €1.3 trillion in World War II reparations Germany must payfor the crimes, deaths, and massive property destruction caused by the 1939-1945 occupation.
Despite some discussions, Germany has long maintained that Poland renounced all claims to reparations in 1953.
“From the Polish perspective, the issue of reparations remains unresolved,”he said in an interview for Die Welt, cited bywPolityce.
“What if Germany, recognizing Poland’s role as a frontline state, gave Warsaw a submarine, a frigate or a few tanks?” Ischinger asked.
German politicians and experts have since expressed their concerns with the idea.
Thomas Erndl, spokesman for the defense policy of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, told Die Welt thatthere was no need for this because a strong Bundeswehr protects not only Germany but also its allies.
“The brigade stationed in Lithuania is a visible sign of our solidarity as allies… If we all focus our efforts on rapidly expanding our military capabilities, and thus on guaranteeing our European security, historical sensitivity will play a subordinate role,” Erndl argued.
Adis Ahmetović, spokesman for foreign policy of the SPD parliamentary group, emphasized that gaining Poland’s trust can only come from a stronger foundation.
Source: ZeroHedge News
