Merkel wants to sanction countries that fail stability pact

(BERLIN) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said stronger sanctions should be imposed on countries that break euro stability pact rules, in light of the Greek crisis, media reported Saturday.

"It should be possible in future to remove, at least temporarily, a country's right to vote (on Eurogroup issues), if it does not respect its responsibilities regarding the monetary policy", Merkel said, quoted in the newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

The Chancellor said a working group should be set up this month to apply the necessary changes in policy.

"This would include a revision of the sanctions against those who break the rules of the stability pact", Merkel said. "We really have to learn from the current crisis to ensure the euro remains a strong and stable currency."