‘Elections’ in occupied Donbas run contrary to Minsk agreements – European Union

This was stated in a statement by the European External Action Service, published on Saturday, Ukrinform's correspondent in Brussels reported.

"The announcement that so-called "elections" will be held in the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic" and "Donetsk People's Republic" on 11 November 2018 runs contrary to the spirit and letter of the Minsk agreements, which have specific provisions regarding the organisation of local elections in that region," the statement reads.

"All steps that would obstruct the advancement of the implementation of the Minsk agreements must be avoided. We expect Russia in particular to make full use of its influence on the separatists in this regard," the EU noted.

The statement also notes that the European Union fully supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

"Implementation of the Minsk agreements by all sides is key to reaching a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine," the EU stressed.

As reported, on September 7, militants in the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions announced that "elections" will be held on November 11.

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