Ceasefire, political process chief goals in Ukraine but no progress yet made - Lavrov

BERLIN, August 18 (Itar-Tass) - Ceasefire and start of a political process remain the chief goals in Ukraine but progress faces obstacles, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. “It is ceasefire and political process where we cannot report any positives results so far. Obviously, ceasefire is the most urgent task as the people are dying, and civil infrastructure is being destroyed,” he said following the meeting of four foreign ministers in Berlin. “By the way, when talks about Russian humanitarian relief intensified and details and terms were being coordinated, the Ukrainian army also intensified barrage and shelling of Lugansk and suburbs - the places where humanitarian aid should and will be delivered.” “We have confirmed Russia’s position, that is that ceasefire, as repeatedly declared, should be unconditional,” Lavrov said adding this was agreed in Geneva on April 17 and Berlin on July 2. “Unfortunately, our Ukrainian partners keep on laying down various conditions, quite vague at that, to ensure, as they call it, the impenetrable borders. As I have already said, we agree with the need to ensure a border control regime that would be as effective as possible. We are doing our utmost. What Ukraine should do, I hope, will also be done more effectively,” Lavrov said adding Ukraine had the OSCE mission active in its territory that can be provided with additional equipment.” Similarly, “the negotiation process is another issue discussed and so far facing attempts to evade earlier agreements”, said the Minister. According to the agreement reached by Russia, the U.S., EU and Ukraine on April 17, a constitutional reform was to be immediately started, including a nation-wide dialogue with participation of all regions and all of their political forces, Lavrov added. Learn more on itar-tass.com