W. Germany, France look to EC on Iranian issue

Economics Minister Otto Lambsdorff said Wednesday that West Germany would seek European agreement on action to support the United States over the hostages in Iran. The government feels that European Community legislation provides a basis for collective sanctions but that West Germany has its own legal options if no joint decision is made, he said.

Meanwhile, France has decided it will work with its Common Market partners to help in the release of the hostages, presidential spokesman Jean Marie Poirier said.