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FarCenter

(19,429 posts) Mon Nov 28, 2016, 08:46 AM Nov 2016

Germany wary of Fillon's cosy attitude to Russia

BERLIN (AFP) -
Francois Fillon, frontrunner to become France's next president, has sparked unease in Germany with his friendly attitude toward Russia, which could make him an uncomfortable ally for Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Fillon secured the nomination of the French conservative Republicans on Sunday with a resounding victory over his more moderate challenger Alain Juppe.

Opinion polls currently predict that he would handily beat far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen in the knock-out finals of next May's presidential elections.

...

Fillon, accused by his critics of being too close to President Vladimir Putin, has called for the lifting of sanctions that were imposed after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine.

He believes the EU and United States "provoked" Russia by expanding NATO's presence into eastern Europe.

Fillon has also urged an alliance with Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime against the Islamic State group.

http://www.france24.com/en/20161128-germany-wary-fillons-cosy-attitude-russia

3 replies

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Highlight:

Germany wary of Fillon's cosy attitude to Russia (Original Post) FarCenter Nov 2016 OP

Soon the entire west will become Putin's fools JHan Nov 2016 #1

There is little enthusiasm in much of Europe for a new US - Russia Cold War. FarCenter Nov 2016 #2

I wish I could dismiss Russia's interference and clandestine support .. JHan Nov 2016 #3

JHan

(10,173 posts)

1. Soon the entire west will become Putin's fools

Reply to FarCenter (Original post)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 08:55 AM

Nov 2016

FarCenter

(19,429 posts)

2. There is little enthusiasm in much of Europe for a new US - Russia Cold War.

Reply to JHan (Reply #1)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 09:20 AM

Nov 2016

The greater conflict is between the secular countries from Portugal to Japan versus the Islamic countries from Morocco to Indonesia.

North-South is more ominous than East-West.

JHan

(10,173 posts)

3. I wish I could dismiss Russia's interference and clandestine support ..

Reply to FarCenter (Reply #2)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 10:06 AM

Nov 2016

for far right movements in Europe.. I don't think any Western Leader should make the mistake of believing Russia should be our friend.

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