It quoted G7 sources as saying the United States was “calling for continuation of sanctions but Japan and Germany stressing dialogue with Moscow”.
The gap emerged at a meeting early in December of ‘sherpa’ personal representatives of the leaders of Great Britain, Italy, Canada, the United States, France, Germany and Japan, Kyodo said.
“The Ukraine crisis is expected to be a major item on the agenda at a G-7 summit slated for June in Germany. At focus is whether the G-7 will take concerted action against Russia, especially at a time when part of sanctions the European Union imposes on Moscow is set to expire in March,” the news agency said.
According to Kyodo sources, “the United States told the Berlin session that the G-7 must ensure coordination to prepare for a possible invocation of new sanctions, calling for continued EU and G-7 sanctions on Russia”.
They quoted a US representative as saying the Russian leadership was taking advantage of the split, and warning Russia could drive a wedge within the group. They said Britain had supported the US in its approach.
“In contrast, Japan, which is eager to advance territorial talks with Russia, and Germany, a major importer of natural gas from Moscow, expressed a softer stance,” the news agency said.
It quoted a German representative as saying some sanctions needed to be maintained, while others should be lifted, as well as that Moscow could demonstrate flexibility if sanctions were eased. Japan, for its part, spoke in favour of continuing a dialogue with Russia in addition to the imposition of sanctions.
Sherpas planned a new meeting in March to continue a dialogue on Ukraine and other issues, Kyodo said.
A G7 summit is due in Germany’s Bavaria on June 7-8.
http://itar-tass.com/en/world/771483
16/1/15
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Japan, Germany Split With US on Russia Sanctions Ahead of G7 Summit ...
ReplyDeleteJapan and Germany support a softening of sanctions and a continuation of dialogue with Russia, Kyodo News reported, citing source inside the G7.
According to the agency, the divergence in positions between the US and its partners, Germany and Japan, on the question of sanctions against Russia became apparent during a meeting of G7 emissaries during preparations for the group’s summit last December.
The United States insists on prolonging the sanctions enacted against Russia, due to the fact that some of them expire in March 2015, and has called upon its partners in the group to consolidate their positions on the issue. However, Germany and Japan consider dialogue with Russia necessary.
"Japan believes that strengthening its pro-American position could influence the Russian president’s visit to the country this year, which was agreed upon in November of last year in Beijing," the agency reports.........................http://sputniknews.com/asia/20150116/1016970816.html
16/1/15