
Germany: Territorial integrity a 'pillar of our European post-war order' - Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the Ukraine crisis during her visit to the World War I 100th anniversary exhibit at the German History Museum in Berlin, Wednesday.
Merkel said the Ukrainian conflict shows the speed with which peace can be put into question in the present day. She added that the "annexation of Crimea by Russia" has put Ukraine "to the test," and expressed confidence that the May 25 presidential election demonstrated a new beginning for Ukraine.
Merkel said the reason she is very "strict" with the Crimea issue is that territorial integrity is the "pillar of our European post-war order," and that an "unbelievable disaster" will result if countries start claiming territories that once belonged to them.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the Ukraine crisis during her visit to the World War I 100th anniversary exhibit at the German History Museum in Berlin, Wednesday.
Merkel said the Ukrainian conflict shows the speed with which peace can be put into question in the present day. She added that the "annexation of Crimea by Russia" has put Ukraine "to the test," and expressed confidence that the May 25 presidential election demonstrated a new beginning for Ukraine.
Merkel said the reason she is very "strict" with the Crimea issue is that territorial integrity is the "pillar of our European post-war order," and that an "unbelievable disaster" will result if countries start claiming territories that once belonged to them.