Gorbachev: New chancellor won''t alter Russian-German relations

     Ex-Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev has said he believes Russian-German relations will not change with Angela Merkel becoming federal chancellor.
     Speaking at the opening of the fifth international forum St. Petersburg Dialogue on Wednesday, Gorbachev said "nobody needs" to worsen relations between the two countries, "and both parties are interested in preserving the existing interaction."
     Russia is hearing "certain discussions about the deterioration of relations with Germany," but Gorbachev said he considers these conversations "nothing but provocations."

Interfax, November 30, 2005