"His [Bogdanov's] message is absolutely clear. Russia continues to seek a non-violent solution to the Syrian conflict… I said to Bogdanov that we consider that the German position in relation to Russia over the Syrian issue should be changed. I am known as an opponent of the German policy of sanctions against Russia, like the rest of my faction. We want to start easing the sanction regime, it must be stopped," Gehrcke told RIA Novosti.
Earlier in October, different European politicians, including Germany's Coordinator for Intersocietal Cooperation with Russia, Central Asia and the Eastern Partnership Countries Gernot Erler brought the idea of introducing restrictions against Russia over its role in the Syrian conflict, which has aggravated in recent weeks.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has lasted for about five years. Since its beginning it has claimed the lives of thousands of people and displaced millions more. The international community has undertaken steps to end the Syrian conflict and to solve the humanitarian crisis in the country.
Russia began its counterterror air campaign in Syria on September 30, 2015, at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.