G7 Leaders Speak After 2-day Summit

The world's leading industrialised nations ended a two-day summit in Brussels on Thursday, agreed that tougher sanctions against Russia could still be deployed.

Below are some quotes from the G7 leaders.

British Prime Minister David Cameron
On Russia/Ukraine

"We've had these elections, the Ukrainian people have chosen a president, he's a capable man and it's quite possible that he could have a proper relationship with Putin. There could be a proper relationship between Ukraine and Russia. But change is needed in order for that to happen and that's the message that I will be delivering this evening."

"I think it's just important to have this communication about some very important messages - about what is happening now is not acceptable, about the changes that need to take place."


German Chancellor Angela Merkel
On Russia/Ukraine

"We have discussed in detail what are our expectations for the Ukrainian President and what the Russian president has to do. There we are in complete consensus."

"We want to discuss a solution. Only if that does not work will we have to come back to sanctions."

"The fact that I read that Russia sends an ambassador to the inauguration (of Ukraine's new president) shows a certain form of recognition."


European Council President Herman Van Rompuy
"Should events so require we stand ready to intensify targeted sanctions and to consider additional measures. The European Council will assess the situation at the end of June. The day after tomorrow in France individual G7 leaders will convey this message to President Putin."


French President Francois Hollande
On the economy:

"We are no longer in crisis. There is still stagnation in a certain number of countries. There is even a slowdown in the growth that was particularly vigorous in emerging countries. Already for several months, there have been encouraging signs from the United States. The European economy is still in a state of hesitation, from where the will expressed at the G7 to stimulate growth and jobs."

"I want to praise the decision that the ECB took today in lowering rates and improving the financing of the economy. The Central bank understood that the danger is not inflation, it's deflation. It's the risk of having economies that do not advance enough."

On Paris 2015 conference on climate change:

"It was very important to have the support of the G7."

On Ukraine/Russia:

"I invited President Putin to come to the ceremonies of June 6 because he is the president of people which made considerable sacrifices (during World War II)."

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi
On top EU jobs up for grabs:

"Italy does not have a name or national candidature, nor does it attach itself to geographical choices."

"Nobody can hand down diktats, not a European political force elected to the European parliament, not a country nor anybody else."

"I would add that no candidate has obtained a majority and this is a very important step, therefore we must find a common understanding."

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
On energy security:

"We are not trying - and I want to be very clear on this - listen, we don't see the crisis in Ukraine as simply an opportunity to market Canadian products, but obviously we're deeply engaged in a discussion with our allies on how we can make sure that globally our energy supplies are secure and stable."