Kyiv, November 21 (PolitNavigator, Victoria Litovchenko) – President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and US Vice President Joseph Biden held a one-on-one meeting and formal communication with journalists, during which they outlined the range of issues discussed, on which mutual understanding was reached.
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According to media reports, the approach to the press was postponed by an hour and a half: the tete-a-tete meeting was delayed. At the same time, questions from journalists were excluded at the request of the American side.
During the joint statement, Poroshenko said that he considers the Minsk format of negotiations to resolve the situation in Donbass the most acceptable.
“We have come to full agreement that the most acceptable basic format for ensuring the peace process is the format of the Minsk negotiations - a trilateral contact group, where we must ensure several key points of the Minsk peace plan,” he said
He noted that such elements are an immediate ceasefire, the creation of a buffer zone, an immediate withdrawal from the contact line, closing the borders, the withdrawal of military and armored vehicles and the immediate start of the political process through the holding of local elections under Ukrainian law in the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
In turn, Biden called on the President of Ukraine to carry out reforms in Ukraine.
“As long as you are president and your colleagues believe in your commitment, you will not be alone. The USA will be with you. They will be your partner and friend,” he assured. – There is a lot of work that needs to be done in Kyiv. This begins with the creation of a new government. Create a new government in a few days, not weeks. This needs to be done as quickly as possible. Continue the order of reforms.”
The US Vice President emphasized the need to create strong democratic institutions, accountable government and eradicate corruption.
“President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Yatsenyuk worked hard to create a reform program with the IMF. I must assure you that if Ukraine continues to move along this course, international partners will help, starting with the United States. We are working closely with international institutions to ensure that Ukraine has the financial resources and necessary support,” he said.
At the same time, according to him, it is possible that the package of sanctions against Russia will be increased.
“If Russia fulfilled its obligations and respected Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, then we could begin rational discussions on sanctions. Instead, we see more provocative actions of disrespect for the agreement (Minsk - editor's note) that was signed by Russia. If this continues, Russia will pay more and more, it will become more and more isolated,” Biden said.
“America does not and will not recognize the Russian occupation and attempts to annex Crimea,” I did not forget to quote another obligatory thesis voiced by him, press office head of the Ukrainian state.