France and Germany are preparing their proposals on the introduction of UN peacekeepers in the Donbas
The French and German sides are discussing their proposals regarding the mandate of a UN peacekeeping mission in the Donbas, reports Andreas Peschke, Director for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia at the German Federal Foreign Office.
"As for our participation [...] we are currently discussing this issue with our partners. First and foremost, with our French partners as we closely cooperate in the Normandy format. I believe, following it we will discuss the final option with Ukrainian partners and the Russian side," the German diplomat said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
At the same time, he did not specify whether these would be joint proposals by the German and French sides.
"I would not describe it so strictly, but our dialogue on this issue is underway. It should be joint efforts ultimately," the German Foreign Office spokesman said.
Peschke also stressed that it is necessary to thoroughly consider the issue of placing such a mission in the Donbas.
"There are offers by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, there are offers by the Ukrainian side, and we believe this issue should be thoroughly considered," he added.
The German diplomat suggested that such a mission would contribute to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, " if [it is possible] to determine parameters that are mutually acceptable by the parties."
Peschke allowed for the possibility of finding a compromise on the mandate for the UN peacekeeping mission in the Donbas in the near future.
The day prior, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said that the Russian Federation had again changed its position regarding the UN mission in the Donbas and only agreed to place peacekeepers on the line of demarcation; Russia is also calculating the situation in view of the possible US’ supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine.
She also stated that the president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, won the votes of the electorate under the slogan that he would be a "president of peace", and therefore his main task should be to bring peace.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the concept of the Minsk accords is, for many, becoming something virtual, but in truth it is today's reality. And the parties should do everything to adhere to this course.
Zakharova also called reports that peacekeepers will be deployed throughout the Donbas "speculation".