Poroshenko, Tusk discuss situation in Donbas and Ukraine's European prospects

The website of the President reports.

"Poroshenko has informed President of the EC about the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and the current implementation status of the Minsk accords," a statement said.

The parties have expressed their concern over the decision of the leaders of the illegal armed groups to postpone "elections" in the separate areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, by announcing new dates for their conduct. It was emphasized that such provocative steps, as well as obstruction of the SMM OSCE observers and delays in pullout of weapons, are deliberate violations of existing agreements.

The parties have confirmed a direct connection between validity of the EU sanctions on Russia and a complete implementation of the Minsk accords.

President Poroshenko noted that Ukraine anticipates further strengthening of the EU's role in the conflict de-escalation and stabilization of the situation in Donbas, taking into account peacekeeping potential and experience of the European Union.

Poroshenko and Tusk have discussed the ratification acceleration of Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU by Cyprus and Greece.

A special attention was paid to Ukraine's progress in meeting its commitments under the Action Plan on visa liberalization with the EU and the beginning of implementation of a free trade zone between Ukraine and the European Union on January 1, 2016.

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