Ukrainian Foreign Minister Klimkin thanks Norway for its support in settling Donbas conflict

Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin has thanked Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende for consistent support for Ukraine within the framework of the Minsk process and other international formats, which are aimed at the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donbas.

Klimkin said this at a joint press conference with his Norwegian colleague, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Klimkin also once again stressed that sanctions against Russia may be eased only after full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

"We need to reach a real de-escalation in Donbas as a prerequisite for holding elections there," Klimkin said. Such de-escalation, according to him, means not only complete ceasefire, but also unfettered access of OSCE monitoring mission to the conflict zone, particularly to the border area uncontrolled by Ukraine, and complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Donbas.

"These issues will be among those discussed at the Warsaw NATO summit and the meeting of the bilateral NATO-Ukraine Commission during the summit," Klimkin said.

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