Normandy format's work should continue for lasting ceasefire in Donbas

11:19, 18.02.2017 1 min read

It is necessary to continue the work of the so called Normandy format to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Donbas, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said.

"Unfortunately, not all provisions of the Minsk Agreements were implemented, but the work is ongoing and we need to continue this work. We need to achieve a lasting ceasefire," she said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

She said that the observance of the Minsk Agreements is necessary and they remain a foundation on the path to the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.

Merkel recalled that negotiations of the Normandy format's foreign ministers will be held in Munich on Saturday.

"NATO is playing an important part following the annexation of Crimea and hostilities in eastern Ukraine. Why do the actions in Ukraine lead us to difficulties and concerns? The principle of territorial integrity of the state is violated there and it has been violated," she said.

He said that one must act with resolve in that regard while maintaining the European order.