Ukraine leader says hopes 'Normandy format' summit results in lasting peace
KYIV. Feb 9 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, in a telephone call with his Polish counterpart, Bronislaw Komorowski, on Monday, expressed hope that a planned "Normandy format" summit on Wednesday on the situation in eastern Ukraine would result in a viable agreement.
"Petro Poroshenko said that he insists on a stable and unconditional ceasefire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons, and the pullout of foreign troops from Ukrainian territory. He emphasized that the border must be closed to deliveries of weapons and mercenaries, that there must be monitoring and verification by the OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe], and that hostages must be released. After that there must be local elections that are based on Ukrainian law and monitored internationally," the Ukrainian president's office said in a statement.
"According to Petro Poroshenko, it is these principles reflecting the Minsk agreements that underlie Normandy format negotiations conducted by Ukraine these days at the level of diplomatic envoys, and that will form the basis for consultations to be held by Ukraine at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group," it said.
"The President of Poland expressed support for the President of Ukraine and, on behalf of the entire Polish people, pledged solidarity with the Ukrainian people and their pro-European aspirations. He emphasized that Ukraine, which a year ago persistently fought for its European future, needs support in the European political arena," the statement said.
"The President of Ukraine invited his Polish colleague to pay an early visit Ukraine," it said.
