Russia sanctions must be tied to progress on Ukraine peace - Gabriel

Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel addresses the lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

PARIS (Reuters) - Germany and France agree that any moves to lift sanctions against Russia must be tied to progress in the peace process for eastern Ukraine, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Saturday.

"We in Germany and France have a clear position on the sanctions," Gabriel said during the news conference with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault. "We wish to implement the Minsk peace process ... And that is the only way that sanctions can be lifted."