As a Frenchman like many others I was not afraid of a united Germany and was happy to see a Germany comes together,Mr Marek Halter speak for himself and think he represents the entire people of France,as a gauchiste person he represents his people in his inner circle only.

France and Germany were allies and EU partners in 1989, their leaders had a warm personal rapport, and Germany had long since expressed genuine contrition and sought genuine reconciliation for its previous aggression against France. Nazis are long gone from the German political scene, and the Gestapo and the swastika have no place in Germany. And yet France still had misgivings about a stronger and united Germany for a neighbour. This should help Russians understand why many of its neighbours are so negatively inclined towards it. Russia has not only not apologised for its fifty-years of totalitarian abuse of its neighbours, but in some instances, continues to make the ludicrous claim that there never even was a Soviet occupation of them. Moscow continues to duck and weave and prevaricate and play games with its Soviet-era history, Communists are still represented in the Duma, the Red Flag is not a symbol of odium in Russia, its current Prime Minister and previous President was a KGB officer, the current President is his chosen appointee and much of the political power of the country is still in the hands of former KGB personnel. Democracy is struggling in the land. And Russia wonders why so many of its neighbours don’t trust it. The pain and damage that it struck against them is very, very deep, and is not easily set aside. The term, “Russophobe” is bandied about almost as a term of derision by Russian apologists. Those who fear the destruction that Russia is capable of should not be derided, but understood. Their attitude towards Russia is based firmly on their experience of Russia.

Like millions of French and others Europeans,we turn the pages of history, look to the future for good relations and understanding each other.We dont have to hold bad feeling about the past,like other community does...... .Back to the 1980 or 70 even 60's Germany was the #1country for French expatriate.I wish many young Europeans discover Russia,like we did in the 60's discovering our European root.