Poroshenko, Steinmeier discuss France, Poland's involvement in talks on settling Ukraine crisis
KYIV. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier discussed the possibility of a so-called Weimar format of negotiations on settling the crisis in eastern Ukraine at a meeting in Kyiv on Tuesday.
"In a context of international efforts toward a peaceful settlement, the negotiating parties agreed on the need for various multilateral negotiating formats leading to a ceasefire, the withdrawal of troops and hardware, and the release of hostages. In particular, in addition to the Geneva and Normandy formats, an idea of a so-called Weimer format has been proposed, in which Germany, Poland, and France could be involved," the Ukrainian presidential press service reported on Tuesday.
Ukraine insists on the full adherence to the Minsk agreements by all parties, including as concerns a ceasefire, the sealing of the borders, the freeing of hostages, the withdrawal of troops, and the organization of local elections in certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in line with Ukrainian law, Poroshenko was quoted as saying.
"However, the Minsk agreements are not being observed on Russia's part. The head of state called for using all opportunities to prompt Russia to do so," it said.
Steinmeier insisted that the Minsk agreements must remain the basis for continuing dialogue on peacefully settling the situation in Donbas.
"In our view, it is time to talk not only about Ukraine's political but also economic stabilization," Steinmeier said. He pointed out that a donor conference for Donbas's restoration was planned for the early 2015.
The Ukrainian president thanked Germany for its continued humanitarian aid for restoring infrastructure in Donbas and accommodating the needs of internally displaced persons.
Poroshenko also said he had met with German President Joachim Gauck during a session of the Visegrad Group in Bratislava.
"The meeting has resulted in the consolidation of efforts of not only Germany and Poland but also Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic," he said.
"Firm determination was expressed to coordinate efforts in the security area, support reforms, and coordinate actions in the energy sector. And this is a practical and important result," Poroshenko said, adding that Ukraine needs Europe's unity and solidarity with it.
