Germany's Steinmeier favours gradual phasing-out of Russia sanctions

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks to the media after attending a news conference at the foreign ministry building (SRE) in Mexico City, Mexico June 6, 2016. REUTERS/Henry Romero

BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union should gradually phase out sanctions imposed against Russia over the Ukraine crisis if there is substantial progress in the peace process, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was quoted on Sunday as saying.

His comments reflect divisions within Germany's ruling right-left coalition over policy towards Russia. Steinmeier's Social Democrats (SPD) back a more conciliatory stance towards Moscow than Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative bloc.