Poroshenko says he not very optimistic about Oct 19 'Normandy Four' meeting
OSLO. Oct 18 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian side wants the 'Normandy format' leaders' (Ukraine, France, Germany and Russia) meeting in Berlin to agree upon a roadmap that would guide the actual implementation of the Minsk Agreements, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.
"If Russia is ready to sign this [roadmap], and not only sign it, because we already signed the Minsk [deal], but it is also important to implement it, it will be a very positive event," Poroshenko said at a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg in Oslo on Tuesday, after being asked by Interfax about the chances of signing such a roadmap at the upcoming talks in Berlin.
"Am I feeling optimistic? I feel very optimistic about Ukraine's future, but, regrettably, I am not very optimistic about tomorrow's meeting," he said.
Ukraine, France and Germany support the adoption of such a roadmap for implementing the Minsk Agreements, Poroshenko said.
This document should determine a sequence of steps to implement the Minsk accords, he said.
"The first thing is a sequence of steps in the sphere of security, a ceasefire, an end to the killing of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, the withdrawal of forces and then the political package," he said.
