Russian, German foreign ministers discuss Ukraine aid delivery terms
MOSCOW. Aug 15 (Interfax) - The Russian and German foreign ministers, Sergei Lavrov and Franz Walter-Steinmeier, respectively, have acknowledged the need for efforts to ensure safe and swift delivery of the humanitarian aid into Ukraine.
The two ministers spoke by telephone at Germany's request, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on its website on Friday.
"It was acknowledged that maximum effort is necessary to ensure safe and swift delivery of the cargo to the affected regions, with a particular focus on providing safety for the humanitarian initiative, including announcements of a truce between the warring sides for the duration of its conduct," the ministry said.
"The ministers continued exchanging their views on the situation in Ukraine with an emphasis on the pressing need to prevent a humanitarian disaster threatening this country's southeastern regions," the ministry said.
"Lavrov underscored the need for promptly addressing all issues involving the through Ukraine of the Russian humanitarian convoy formed in cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities and the International Committee of the Red Cross," the statement said.
"The discussion also focused on practical ways to implement the measures which must lead in practice to a durable ceasefire in Ukraine, long-term solutions of humanitarian problems and the launch of an inclusive dialogue over political settlements of the Ukrainian crisis based on the April 17 Geneva Statement and the July 2 Berlin Declaration," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
