EU calls on Russia not to undermine Minsk agreements by holding pseudo-elections in Donbas

The EU said this in a statement made during the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

“The European Union condemns the holding of so-called “elections” in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, which were scheduled by pro-Russian militants for November 11. If this happens, this will be another blatant violation of international law and the Minsk agreements and, thus, the elections will be considered as invalid," the statement reads.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Italy’s Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi reiterated OSCE support for the implementation of the Minsk agreements for a peaceful solution to the crisis in and around Ukraine, in line with OSCE principles and commitments and in full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“We are extremely concerned by the announcement of “elections” due to be held in certain areas of Donetsk and Lugansk on November 11. Such a decision would run counter to the letter and the spirit of the Minsk agreements,” Moavero Milanesi said.

“We call on all relevant parties to contribute constructively to the negotiation efforts in the Normandy format and in the Trilateral Contact Group in order to prevent such a development.”

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