Russia must influence separatists to end Ukraine crisis – Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the situation in the Donbas with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Censor.NET informs citing Ukrinform.
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The Chancellor welcomed the exchange of prisoners between the Ukrainian government and the separatists. "(Merkel said) A stabilisation of the situation can only come if the agreed contact lines are finally implemented," said a spokeswoman in a statement.
Merkel expressed regret that planned talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to further the cease-fire arrangements have not yet taken place. Last week, Poroshenko had said the talks would take place on Dec. 26.
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In this connection she appealed to the Russian government to use its influence on the separatists. German Chancellor and both Presidents agreed to remain in close contact.
As reported earlier, President Poroshenko intends to hold a telephone conversation with Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. The talk will be dedicated to resolving of the Donbas crisis.
