Moscow - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov explains delays in the arrangement of a new meeting on Ukraine in the Minsk format by Kyiv's unwillingness to discuss economic problems of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions with the militias.
“As far as I understand, the delay of the convention of a Minsk meeting is
directly tied to the desire by Donetsk and Luhansk representatives to include
not only a ceasefire (which is vital) and an exchange of hostages in the agenda.
The parties are currently discussing their number and verifying the lists,”
Lavrov said in an interview with the France 24 TV channel.
“Representatives of the DPR and LPR [the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lunansk
people’s republics] also want – and I believe it is very important – to start
discussing economic aspects contained in the Minsk protocol, which envision the
resumption of economic interaction. As far as I understand, the Kyiv authorities
are not willing to discuss economic problems now,” he added.
This position “causes certain concerns” in Moscow, he said.
Asked whether he believes the parties should primarily focus on a ceasefire,
Lavrov replied, “A ceasefire is an absolute priority: people shouldn’t get
killed.”
“At the same time, they need conditions for life. Therefore, the parties need
to start discussing socioeconomic problems and resume economic interaction
between southeastern regions and the rest of Ukraine. This is absolutely
necessary,” he said.
“We would like to understand why Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed
a decree aimed at financially, economically and socially isolating the
southeastern districts of the country. This step by the Ukrainian leader is also
a matter of the United Nations’ concern: the decree was criticized in last
reports by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,” he
said.
Lavrov also confirmed that Russia is calling on Poroshenko to reconsider this
decision.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin sent this very signal to Ukrainian leader
Petro Poroshenko during their last telephone conversation,” he said.
Asked whether Moscow expects Poroshenko to listen to this call, Lavrov
replied, “We believe he should be interested in resolving issues concerning most
of the country’s population.”
