G7 summit: Russia sanctions to remain until ceasefire holds, says Merkel

Leaders of the Group of Seven nations have agreed that sanctions against Russia must remain in place, until the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine is fully respected. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said this at the end of a two-day G7 Summit in Bavaria yesterday. US President Barack Obama said that Russia's greatness does not depend on violating the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries. Russia was suspended from what used to be the Group of Eight last year because of its occupation and annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region, and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. The G-7 group also addressed the threats from the militant groups Islamic State and Boko Haram. Mr Obama said that the US does not yet have a complete strategy for helping Iraq regain territory from Islamic State. He said that Pentagon was reviewing ways to help Iraq train and equip its forces. The G-7 leaders also called on all nations to fight human trafficking, which is creating a refugee crisis in some of Europe’s Mediterranean countries. The leaders pledged to work towards finishing trade agreements they say will contribute to sustainable growth. They pledged to increase aid to developing countries, and to pursue strict emissions control targets at the global climate change conference in France in December. G7 leaders want 100 billion dollars spent every year by governments and businesses to reduce emissions. On Greece, the German Chancellor warned that time is running out for a deal to keep Athens in the eurozone. Ms Merkel said, Europe would show solidarity but only if Greece makes proposals and implements reforms. The G-7 leaders also made a commitment to work with 60 countries to improve health care and avoid epidemics like the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The leaders promised to expand opportunities for women to gain the knowledge and skills they need to provide for their families. They want one third more women to have vocational education by 2030.