Ukraine must resolve its problems at negotiations – Tigipko
Ukrainian presidential candidate, independent parliament deputy Sergiy Tigipko is skeptical about the outcomes of the April 17 negotiations on Ukraine held in Geneva and believes that Kyiv should resolve its problems unaided at negotiations.
"Here are my conclusions about the Geneva [meeting]. First of all, the strong make a decision for Ukraine because Ukraine is weak. Secondly, the strong have decided nothing and the fulfillment of these agreements depends solely on us. Thirdly, we have no other way but to reach an agreement between ourselves and resolve the situation," the politician wrote on Facebook on Friday morning.
If Ukraine "fails to start the internal negotiations, it may not be invited to international negotiations next time," Tigipko opined.
Russia, the United States, the European Union and Ukraine agreed in Geneva on April 17 on the initial steps towards de-escalation of tensions and security of all citizens of Ukraine.
The sides said in a statement upon the end of the quadripartite negotiations that "all states must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocations."
The sides strongly condemned and rejected any manifestations of extremism, racism and religious intolerance, including anti-Semitism.
They also agreed that all the illegal armed units must be disarmed, all the illegally occupied buildings must be returned to their lawful owners, and all the occupied squares, streets and other public places in all cities of Ukraine must be freed.
An amnesty will be guaranteed for all protesters but those who have perpetrated grave crimes.
The sides decided that the OSCE monitoring mission would play a prominent role in rendering assistance to the de-escalation efforts of the Ukrainian authorities and the local communities.
Consistent with the statement, the Ukrainian constitutional process must be inclusive, transparent and responsible and provide the immediate start of a broad national dialogue involving all Ukrainian regions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the partakers of the Geneva negotiations were set to continue their contacts in various formats.