West Cannot Solve Global Crises Without Russia - French Politician

Western countries should realize that it is impossible to tackle current global problems without Russia’s involvement, former French Foreign Minister Bernard Couchner told RIA Novosti.

"Nowadays, major global issues are Iran, Ukraine and Syria. In order to resolve them, the involvement of Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin is needed. And the West should be ready to talk to Russia in a diplomatic manner," Couchner said after his meeting with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev.

Commenting on a final agreement on the Iranian nuclear program, Couchner underscored the role Russia played in the negotiations.

"US President Barack Obama wanted a successful end for his presidential term. And he’s got it with the Iran nuclear deal. But it could not be possible without Vladimir Putin," he added.

Couchner also pointed out that the most serious problem on the actual agenda is an influx of Middle East and Northern African refugees who recently flooded Europe.

"We need to speed up to tackle the crisis. We spent three years elaborating a refugee policy. But we weren’t ready for such a crisis. It is not only about morals. According to the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees, we have to accept all refugees coming to us," he explained.