Seeking a Thaw? German FM Names Conditions of Russia's Return to G8

The head of the German Foreign Ministry Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed that major international conflicts and crises can't be resolved without Russia and expressed his hope for the revival of the G8 format, German newspaper Die Zeit reported.

The politician stressed that G7 countries might discuss the conditions and terms of Russia's return to the group next year.

"I wish that we would not permanently stay in the G7 format and create conditions for a return to G8. However, this year they don't exist," German newspaper Die Zeit quoted Steinmeier as saying.

The German Foreign Minister stressed that none of the major international conflicts can be resolved without Russia and underlined active participation of Moscow in the resolution of the Syrian conflict.

"In a year, we will see whether Russia's role will be as constructive as now. The G7 member states will then discuss, when its return [to the group] would be possible and what conditions should be fulfilled," the politician said.

Russia walked out of the G8 group of the world's largest economies after a rift with Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States over its alleged role in the conflict in Ukraine.

G7 members — Germany, the US, Canada, Japan, France, Britain, Italy — refused to deal with Russia within the group if Moscow continues its current policy in relation to Crimea.