Merkel: Russian sanctions over Syria are an option

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says sanctions against Russia over its actions in Syria should remain an option.

Merkel says she and French President Francois Hollande will discuss Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a planned meeting on Ukraine in Berlin tomorrow, but cautions against expecting “miracles.”

Both leaders have been sharply critical of Russia’s support for the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Merkel says that she is “of the opinion that no options, including that of sanctions, can be taken off the table in view of the situation, but the priority is that we look at lessening people’s suffering in some way, and that will be an issue tomorrow.”

— AP