"This decision is Merkel’s strategic maneuver. She had to act with caution. In Germany, you will not score political points on participation in military operations, especially, since the Bundeswehr [German military] is already involved in Afghanistan and elsewhere," Breininger said.
The politician reminded that the Alternative for Germany was strongly opposing involvement of Germany in any operations which may backlash on the country.
READ MORE: WATCH Top Russian General Predict Douma Provocation a Month in Advance
"We are openly saying in Bundestag that we are against any foreign policy decisions that could harm Germany itself. We are for peace with Russia, we also continue to remind our government that the presumption of innocence applies to all countries, including in the case of Skripal," he noted.
On Thursday, Merkel announced that Berlin would not participate in possible military action against Syria but supported sending a message that the use of chemical weapons was unacceptable.
Damascus refuted the claims that chemical attack took place in the city of Douma in Eastern Ghouta and denied the statements that Damascus was behind it, recalling that all chemical stockpiles of the country had been destroyed under the OPCW control.
READ MORE: Militants Were Ordered to Attack in Syria After Possible US Strike — Moscow
Moscow has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged attack to be conducted before conclusions are drawn.
