Japan, Germany Split With US on Russia Sanctions Ahead of G7 Summit

MOSCOW, January 16 (Sputnik) – Japan 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.

Japan’s position is that "other than sanctions, it is necessary to continue a dialogue." Germany believes that there are some sanctions that have become progressively less necessary, and the softening of the G7's position could facilitate "a demonstration of flexibility on Putin's part," Kyodo News notes.

At the emissary meeting, the American side insisted that "Putin skillfully exploits the lack of agreement among G7's members," and demanded unity on matters including the possibility of enacting new sanctions.

The agency notes that the sanctions that Japan enacted against five Russian financial institutions do not have expiration dates.

"Japan has a territorial dispute [with Russia], Germany depends on [Russian] national gas shipments. The coordinated position of Germany and Japan with relation to Russia is explained by these circumstances," the agency conlcudes.

The next meeting of G7 emissaries will take place in March. The next leadership summit will take place in Germany in June.