NATO secretary general calls for redoubling efforts for Minsk agreements implementation

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for redoubling efforts to implement the Minsk agreements to settle situation in Donbas.
"I urge all parties to redouble their efforts to implement the Minsk Agreements in full. As a first step, we need to see an immediate and full ceasefire," he said at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday following the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
Stoltenberg stressed the security situation in the anti-terrorist operation zone remains serious.
"Last month saw massive increase in ceasefire violations and they continue, with hundreds of explosions caused every day by equipment banned under the Minsk Agreements. Heavy weaponry has not been withdrawn and only 13 percent of the heavy weaponry registered with the OSCE can be currently traced," he added.
Russian-backed militants also continue to restrict the free movement of OSCE monitors, and some monitors have even become targets themselves, the secretary general added.
"Russia has a significant responsibility in bringing the conflict to an end. Diplomacy offers the only viable solution to the crisis in Ukraine. So it is unfortunate that last week's meeting of the Normandy format was inconclusive… The international community must keep pressuring Russia to respect its obligations," he stressed.
Stoltenberg also noted Ukraine's success on the path of reforms. "And we heard more about the Ukrainian government’s progress on its ambitious reform program. As Ukraine continues on its reform path, NATO and NATO allies will continue to provide strong practical and political support," he said.