Disengagement of troops in Stanytsia Luhanska a sign of possible progress - Maas

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has said he is convinced that the successfully completed disengagement of troops in Stanytsia Luhanska is a sign of possible progress and gives hope for peace.

"This success also shows that it is possible to make progress in eastern Ukraine. It is a glimmer of hope in the search for peace," he said in a statement posted on the German Foreign Office's website on July 1.

Maasa said that the disengagement of troops in Stanytsia Luhanska was an important step for eastern Ukraine.

"We have long hoped for this concrete move towards improving the situation on the ground. It is good that the sides have agreed to it, following an initial impetus from Ukraine," he said.

The German minister said it was "crucial that disengagement is completed in full as the starting‑point for further steps towards implementing the Minsk agreements and reaching a peaceful settlement, and particularly for the sides' obligation to reach a lasting ceasefire."

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