German mechanism for Donbas conflict resolution needs further improvement - LPR
MOSCOW. Feb 11 (Interfax) - The leaders of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) have said the 'Steinmeier formula' is constructive but needs further improvement.
"The Steinmeier formula is an acceptable mechanism; it needs further improvement so that it can be fully implemented. There are security issues there, including who will provide security for the delivery of voting ballots. It is necessary, based on this formula, to try and reach a certain compromise. We are not seeing any real time framework. It is unclear when there will be a second reading of the constitutional amendments, if at all," LPR representative Vladislav Deinego told reporters.
The likelihood of a military scenario for resolving the conflict will rise again if the political process is dragged out, he said.
"The situation is complicated. As for the scenario involving resumption of hostilities, that is probable, not least because of the presence of foreign mercenaries on the contact line. Any protraction will gradually escalate the situation and increase the likelihood of a military scenario. It is necessary to look for a political solution to the conflict. We would like to hope that the Normandy Quartet will change the current trend. We see no serious factors for that yet," he said.
Furthermore, Deinego doubts that Kyiv will open a new checkpoint on the contact line on February 12. "The additional checkpoint was due to open on February 12. It is obvious there will be no checkpoints opening in the towns of Popasna, Pervomaisk," he said.
Russia's representative at the talks over the Ukrainian crisis resolution, Boris Gryzlov, said earlier that Donbas should obtain a legislated special status based on a formula proposed by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.