Friedrich Merz

As you all know, we had a video conference with the G7 leaders on Wednesday, and six out of seven were clearly the opinion that we should not release the sanctions against Russia.

And we were a little bit surprised that we heard this morning that the American government decided differently.

This is definitely not our view.

We are sharing the six out of seven that this should be not the case because Russia is benefiting from that.

And we are seeing this into the right different direction.

We should put more pressure on Russia to bring this terrible war to an end as soon as possible.

And that's the reason why we are having a different view on this decision, which was obviously taken in D.C.

last night.

terror.

But with every day this war lasts, more questions are coming up, more than can be answered yet.

And one thing becomes increasingly clear.

We need a convincing plan on how this war can come to an end.

Meanwhile, we're witnessing a dangerous escalation.

Iran indiscriminately attacks states in the region, among them close partners and allies of our country to Germany.

The Strait of Hormuz is basically closed.

And we condemn this in the strongest terms.

We have no interest in an endless war.

Or if the territorial integrity or statehood of Iran was crumbling, or if Iran was no longer economically viable, it would have severe impacts on us as well.

So we need a good outlook for a peace order.

Both the Chinese and the Germans are aware that our economic exchange contributes significantly to the prosperity of both countries.