Honest relationship

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev promised frank dialogue as the two nations sought to deepen their economic partnership. But they remain at loggerheads over human rights and democratic reform.

The two leaders are meeting in the northern German city of Hanover within the framework of the so-called "Petersburg Dialogue," a yearly forum aimed at strengthening ties between the former World War II enemies.

Berlin and Moscow are most interested in deepening their already extensive economic partnership. Germany wants more secure access to Russian natural gas and rare earths used to construct electronics. Russia, on the other hand, wants to acquire German technical know-how in a bid to modernize its economy.

Germany's economic relationship with Russia has raised concern among some observers that Berlin would pay less attention to human rights abuses in Russia. This was demonstrated by the recent row over the Quadriga prize.

The award ceremony, which honors four people every year, was cancelled this weekend after a public outcry over the decision to honor Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Honest discussion

But on Tuesday Merkel said the two sides would discuss their political differences frankly while they sought for common economic interests.

"In a democracy you tend to talk about the things that are not working rather than those that are," the chancellor said. "It is better to have a row than to sweep things under the rug."

Medvedev agreed that it was "better to fight than to remain silent." The Russian president also said he agreed that political reform was important for Russia's economic future.

"We agree that democracy, human rights and the rule of law are necessary requirements for lasting and sustainable modernization," Medvedev told reporters.

The two leaders also tackled the issue of visa regulations, which has been a sticking point for some time. Merkel admitted that Germany had been the "brake" on liberalizing visa rules between the EU and Russia.

"We discussed this issue with President Medvedev and agreed we must develop a step-by-step plan," Merkel said. "I think if Germany begins to be a bit more open then Europe will follow suit."

Author: Spencer Kimball (AFP, Reuters, dpa)
Editor: Ben Knight