institute of europe
the institute of europe of the russian academy of sciences
Meeting of scientists of Bonn University and IE RAS
- 11 October 2018
On October 11, 2018, Old Hands – Igor Maximetchev, Vladimir Grinin and James Bindenagel – met in Moscow with Bonn University Law Professor Matthias Herdegen at the Europe Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences with IE RAS Director Alexey Gromyko and others.
Former Soviet Embassy DCM Igor Maximetchev recalled the 1989 Peaceful
Revolution in East Germany was a German Revolution. Yes, the Four Powers
carried out their responsibilities for Berlin and Germany as a whole but
sovereignty was won by the revolution of self-determination by Germans
in the GDR giving legitimacy to United Germany’s commitments to Europe
and human rights under the Basic Law. That is Germany’s International responsibility.
Now Germany should take it rightful leadership role in the
international community to support democracy, rule of law and human
rights. For Americans and Russians, Germany has a special responsibility for
world order.
Revolution in East Germany was a German Revolution. Yes, the Four Powers
carried out their responsibilities for Berlin and Germany as a whole but
sovereignty was won by the revolution of self-determination by Germans
in the GDR giving legitimacy to United Germany’s commitments to Europe
and human rights under the Basic Law. That is Germany’s International responsibility.
Now Germany should take it rightful leadership role in the
international community to support democracy, rule of law and human
rights. For Americans and Russians, Germany has a special responsibility for
world order.
