Germany to examine US-Russia sanctions package

Germany says it will examine a new package of US sanctions against Russia approved by the House of Representatives amid concerns that the measures could affect European businesses.
Germany and Austria in recent weeks have criticized the planned penalties, saying they could affect European businesses involved in piping Russian natural gas.
German spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said today that Germany opposes in principle "sanctions with extraterritorial effects." She added it's important for the European Union and the US to continue closely coordinating sanctions against Russia and "in this light, we will examine in detail the bill that has now been approved."

German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer said the US isn't entitled to tell European companies how to do business with a third country, but the legislation has improved from the original proposal.