Cooperation with Russia is needed to tackle int'l issues: Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday that cooperation with Russia was needed to address some international issues amidst threats to strengthen sanctions against Russia.

Russia has long been a partner in the P5+1 group in carrying out negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program and Russia's participation is necessary to solve the Syrian crisis, Merkel told reporters after the Group of Seven (G7) summit here.

She also repeated that the sanctions on Russia would be linked to the full implementation of Minsk agreement. "The conflict in southeastern Ukraine can only be solved in a political way on the basis of Minsk agreements," she said.

Merkel echoed some of the Western leaders that sanctions on Russia could be toughened if the situation required them to do so. "But we all believe that we should do everything we can in order to make progress with Minsk (agreement)."

In an interview with an Italian newspaper published on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the Ukrainian government for its reluctance to talk with insurgents.

He called for the full and unconditional implementation of the new Minsk agreement, because "there is no other way to settle the conflict today." There is no need for the West to fear Russia, he said. Enditem