10:26 30.01.2018

U.S. maintains position on UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas, open to suggestions

2 min read
U.S. maintains position on UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas, open to suggestions

The United States during talks in Dubai reiterated its previous position regarding deployment of a possible United Nations peacekeeping mission in Donbas, but is open to dialogue, a source told Interfax.

"U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker during the talks reiterated the U.S. position about the necessity of deploying a UN peacekeeping mission throughout all areas of the conflict zone," the source said, adding the sides attempted to constructively react to each other's initiatives.

The sides proved unable to formulate their joint stance regarding this UN mission on paper as a result of their meeting, he said.

"They discussed various scenarios for such a mission's presence, including its possible placement along the contact line. It was a business-like dialogue, but the participants in the meeting did not discuss any specific issues, including the mission's lineup. They did not formulate their joint stance and did not put any obligations on paper, either. Disagreements remain," he said.

At the same time, the U.S. still believes that a UN mission should be deployed to the militant-held sector of the border with Russia.

"Volker underlined the need to place UN peacekeepers with a relevant mandate at the sector of the border with Russia," the source said.

The sides tried to constructively react to each other's initiatives and "demonstrated their interest in suggestions that were put forth," he said.

However, the participants in the meeting proved unable to resolve their disagreements over Ukraine's legislation on the re-integration of Donbas.

"The Russian side initiated a discussion on this issue. But they were unable to formulate a single consolidated position on this matter," the source said.

At the same time, the parties agreed that all signatories to the Minsk package of measures, including Kyiv, need to implement them in full.

"The sides said that the package of measures should be implemented in a consistent manner and without any exceptions. They also spoke about Kyiv's commitments as part of this process. The negotiators also agreed on the need to maintain the truce in the region and prevent truce violations by all sides in the conflict," the source said.

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