4 Sep 2014 16:51

Moscow expects reaction from Kyiv, militia to Putin's plan on peace settlement in Ukraine - Lavrov

MOSCOW. Sept 4 (Interfax) - Moscow expects reaction from Kyiv and the militia on Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposals to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference following talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart.

"We expect that the reaction from official Kyiv and militia will come. We have done, are doing and will do everything depending on us in order for the proposals on beginning dialogue to materialize, starting with the main task - a ceasefire," Lavrov told Interfax.

"We will, of course, also be ready to listen to some additional proposals from the members of the Contact Group in the hope that we will eventually work out something in common. As the first step, we will insist on a ceasefire: this is the most important thing now," the minister said.

"This is not the first time - as soon as a ray of hope emerges for switching the situation from forceful resistance to the political settlement sector, the so-called 'war party' becomes active at once," Lavrov also said.

ez ap kk

(Our editorial staff can be reached at eng.editors@interfax