The results of sitting of the group on political issues in Minsk (November 9)

On November 9, 2016 a sitting of the political group on the resolving of the conflict in Donbass took place in Minsk. The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPR Natalya Nikonorova took part in negotiations.

«Unfortunately, once again, a crisis in the work on political issues can be noted. «Steinmeier's formula» as a priority issue for consideration was refused to be discussed by our opponents, citing the need for coordination of the roadmap in Normandy format firstly. At that the need for speedy implementation of «Steinmeier's formula» and providing Donbass with the special status was confirmed in Normandy format twice. It was also repeatedly confirmed, that the Minsk agreements are very important and have no alternative to be implemented, as well as the intensification of the work of Contact and working groups. Today, this item of the Complex of measures is actually blocked, because the representatives of Kiev, recalling on the political situation in Ukraine, do not provide us with their formal position on any issue, and disavow that, what was stated previously.

This vicious circle was brought by us to the discussion of Contact Group, because in the political group Ukraine once again refused the coordination and implementation of binding rules (regulations) as the basis of a conscientious attitude to the negotiation process. At the moment, we see no other way out of the impasse — only the need for clear methods of work, noting the outcome of each meeting and execution of Ukraine mandatory instructions for the official position. The only way we will be able to unlock the work of the group and send it to the mainstream resolution of the conflict — the implementation of the Minsk agreements» — Natalya Nikonorova announced about the results of the sitting of the group on political issues.

Next sitting of the group on political issues is to take place on November 23.

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