You're reading: Yeliseyev: Macron’s formula suggests Minsk accords implementation through concrete practical steps

French President Emmanuel Macron has invited the leaders of the countries participating in the Normandy format (Ukraine, Germany, France, Russia) to agree concrete practical steps towards the implementation of the Minsk agreements, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine Kostiantyn Yeliseyev has said.

“To date, there is an agreement that in the near future, preferably before the G20 summit [G-20 on July 7-8], to hold a conference of leaders of the Normandy format with the participation of the leaders of the OSCE SMM. It is planned that the conversation between the leaders should be substantive, thoroughly prepared and aimed at the effective solution of pressing security problems in Donbas,” Yeliseyev said in a commentary to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, summing up the results of the talks between the presidents of Ukraine and France in Paris.

He noted that it was about preparing an appropriate set of priority issues that could be submitted to the heads of the Normandy Four. Among the list of these issues is how to achieve full compliance with the ceasefire regime, to provide unimpeded access of the OSCE SMM to all separatist-held districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, to ensure the safety of international observers, the withdrawal of heavy weapons and equipment, to create conditions for the withdrawal of Russian troops and Arms from the territory of the occupied Donbas and to release the hostages.

An important element of these proposals should be the cessation of the so-called “creeping annexation” of Donbas by Russia and the creation of conditions for Ukraine’s gradual restoration of its territorial integrity, the deputy head of the presidential administration said.

“That is, the so-called Macron formula provides for joint, purposeful work, so that by small but concrete steps it would possible to ensure the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. At the same time, it is understood that the solution of the key issues of the so-called security package of the Minsk agreements is top priority,” Yeliseyev said.

In general, he said, during the talks, the French president reaffirmed his commitment to the idea of restoring peace and security in Donbas and fully restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine within the internationally recognized borders.

“At the same time, he acknowledged that we need to give a new impetus to the Normandy negotiating process in order to get it out of the state of stagnation, and President Macron is also determined to achieve a concrete result,” he said.