Germany to boost ties with EU, Poland

KARLSRUHE, Germany, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Germany has a pivotal role in solving the crisis that has gripped the European Union, designated German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

"It is our duty to reclaim and continue our role as the motor of European integration," Steinmeier during the party summit of his Social Democrats told German news channel n-tv. The EU has been in crisis ever since France and Netherlands rejected a common consitutuon.

Steinmeier emphasized the importance of the Franco-German relationship, adding "one of the first trips" of soon-to-be Chancellor Angela Merkel will be to Paris.

In an interview with a Social Democratic Party newspaper, Steinmeier said Berlin wanted to promote "reconciliation with our eastern neighbors, especially Poland."

German-Polish relations have been strained over plans to build a Russian-German gas pipeline and a remembrance center for German World War II exiles.

As soon as Stefan Meller was named Poland's new foreign minister, Steinmeier said he called him to discuss the future of German-Polish relations.

"The problems aren't entirely resolved, but we plan to do that soon. That's why one of my first trips in office will be to Warsaw," Steinmeier said.