Putin pushes for German Security Council seat

Germany has learned its lessons from its Nazi past and deserves a seat on the UN Security Council that reflects its position as a leading nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview yesterday.

In a joint interview with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder that appeared in Bild newspaper yesterday, Putin said Germany has shown repentance in the 60 years since the Second World War ended and taken steps to ensure there will be no more wars from Germany.

"You cannot force current and future generations of Germans to wear sackcloth and ashes forever," said Putin, in his strongest comments to date on Germany's attempt to secure a Security Council seat after earlier stating his support late last year.

"And the country itself should not have its rights on the world stage constrained. That's why Russia supports strengthening Germany's role in the United Nations and its membership as a permanent member of the UN Security Council."

Germany, the third largest contributor to the United Nations, hopes to win a permanent seat after having secured support from at least four of its five members. Shedding the modesty stemming from its Second World War shame, Germany has raised the volume on arguments for a permanent seat.