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Sarkozy calls to boost dialogue with Russia, prevent new cold war

The former French president warns about the danger of fueling tensions between Russia and the EU

© EPA/RAJAT GUPTA

BERLIN, June 21. /TASS/. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday warned about the danger of fueling tensions between Russia and the European Union and called for dialogue with Moscow.

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Russia should reach out for lifting of European sanctions — Sarkozy

Sarkozy said this in Berlin at an economic conference of the Christian Democratic Union party.

"We may only solve the problems of Europe and Russia by dialogue. We should talk with each other," he said, adding that conditions for a new cold war should not be created.

Sarkozy underscored that the most serious threat to democracy in Europe is currently the terrorist groups Islamic State and Al Qaeda (both are banned in Russia). He said he discussed urgent issues with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday. He called to conclude a new European treaty. "We should substantiate the European project in a new way," he said.

At the same time, the ex-French president called for more independence of Europe from the United States and for establishment of a European monetary fund. "What does the International Monetary Fund do in Europe?" he said.

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