France proposes a plan for de-occupation of the Donbas
French President Emmanuel Macron has presented his de-occupation plan for the Donbas to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
Macron spoke about this on Monday in Paris at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Poroshenko held during the latter's working visit to France, reports Interfax-Ukraine.
"We are waiting for the result. The solution that I proposed to President Poroshenko, [I have shown] to all sides of the Normandy format and, in fact, already done for President Putin; I would like first to see the preconditions met on paper, and efforts made by the parties to carry out these expectations."
According to the French President, the matter concerns the withdrawal of military forces and weapons, the admission of international observers to all points, and the release of hostages.
Macron noted that it is necessary to move away from the position of concealing the true situation, and to start objectively assessing the situation. "When we all agree on this objective picture, thanks to the work of our joint teams, we will be able to prepare a basis on which we can meet, having all the initial data," he said, adding that in such a situation there would be forward movement.
The French president indicated that the conflict in the Donbas region has lasted a long time, and that it is necessary to collectively make a decision that will lead to a positive result. "I have been more thorough, and have already worked out this document in its final form; and it seems to me that Chancellor Merkel (I will discuss this issue with her) will agree with this method," Macron expressed hope.
The draft "Normandy format" resolution, which can be called the "Macron formula", may become the de-occupation plan for the Donbas, said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
"I really like the approach of the president, which is focused on the outcome, concrete, practical and without extra talk. Our agreements, which we will put on paper as a potential 'Normandy format' solution, may be called the 'Macron formula'; but we will be able to present the plan to the community to achieve peace and the de-occupation of Eastern Ukraine," said Poroshenko.