Aim of sanctions not to bash Russian economy: German foreign minister

Reuters
Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech at the lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, November 26, 2014. REUTERS/Stefanie Loos

BERLIN (Reuters) - The goal of sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis must not be to wear down Russia economically, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Thursday. "Should it be our way of thinking and our goal to put down Russia economically?" asked Steinmeier at a conference organized by the Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily in Berlin. "My clear answer is: No, that is, was and should not be the reason for sanctions," he added. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Writing by Madeline Chambers)