You're reading: Germany, France call on Russia to facilitate Ukraine de-escalation

 The German and French Foreign Ministers, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Laurent Fabius, respectively, have called on Russia to help de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. They made the appeal during a press conference held jointly with Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca in Chisinau on April 23 evening. The speakers expressed their concern about the developments in Ukraine and said they are closely monitoring compliance with the Geneva agreements on Ukraine.

 “Regrettably, we see that the situation is getting worse every day. We are seeing more and more buildings being seized and the conflict escalating in east Ukraine. We are calling on Russia to facilitate stabilization and compliance with the Geneva agreements,” Steinmeier said.

He called for the situation in Ukraine to be settled “solely with diplomatic methods, through dialogue,” adding that “Germany and France oppose territorial divisions of Ukraine.”

For his part, Fabius stressed that partners in Chisinau “will be helping to maintain stability in Moldova.”

“We condemn the annexation of Crimea by Russia and favor the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Moldova must secure a resolution to the Transdniestrian conflict while remaining partners with Russia. For you it is very important, we do not want to create new barriers on the European continent, all conflicts must be settled solely through peaceful methods, through dialogue,” said the French minister, addressing the Moldovan prime minister.

The French and German foreign ministers called for the Transdniestrian conflict to be solved “through a dialogue, with due respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.”

“Although the last round of five plus two talks failed to take place, it is necessary to continue the negotiating process. A fair and mutually acceptable solution must be found in the framework of the negotiations,” Fabius said.

“Bringing Moldova closer to the European Union will bring indisputable benefits to the people living on both sides of the Dniester river,” the Moldovan prime minister said.