16:14 30.05.2018

Opposition Bloc backs introduction of peacekeepers into Donbas, but insists on talks of Kyiv with ORDLO reps

2 min read

The primary task for resolving the conflict in the east of Ukraine is the introduction of a peacekeeping contingent into the region, cochairman of the Opposition Bloc Yuriy Boiko said, while advocating direct negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and representatives of certain regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the party's press service said.

"Ukraine needs multilateral settlement formats. The success of the negotiations in the Normandy format, within the framework of the U.S.-Russian mediation mission, will speed up the peace process. First of all, it is necessary to support the decision of the UN Security Council to introduce a peacekeeping contingent to Donbas. This is certainly an important step, but it is not enough to establish peace in Ukraine. Kyiv should conduct direct negotiations with Moscow, Donetsk and Luhansk," Boiko said on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, on Tuesday.

At the same time, he noted that the Ukrainian government was unable to settle the conflict in the east and "does not make a step to set up direct talks with the second parties to the conflict."

The politician recalled that Ukraine itself has been a peacemaker country for a long time - beginning from 1992 Ukrainian servicemen participated in many international peacekeeping missions of the United Nations - but at present Ukraine itself needs peacekeeping assistance of the international community.

"The first and foremost task today is the introduction of peacekeepers, which is the only mechanism capable of stopping armed confrontation, preserving human lives and providing the beginning of a political process for resolving the conflict," Boiko said.

The next stage, in his opinion, should be the adoption of laws on the special status of Donbas for three years to restore peaceful life, the adoption of an amnesty law for those who have not committed serious crimes, and only after that - the restoration of economic cooperation and control over the Ukrainian-Russian border by Ukrainian border guards. "And after three years of holding local elections there under Ukrainian law, this is the only real step for restoring peace in our country, preserving the united Ukraine," Boiko said.

AD
AD
AD
AD