The upcoming Normandy Four summit gives hope for a result-oriented dialogue, despite continued illegal annexation of Crimea and Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, said this in his speech at the 26th meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Bratislava on Thursday.

“We have to welcome the recent positive developments in Ukraine. The upcoming Normandy Four summit brings hope for a result-oriented increased dialogue. At the same time, the core of the conflict remains: Russia’s violations of international law and OSCE principles through the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, and aggression in eastern Ukraine," he said.

In addition, Borrell stressed that the work of the OSCE SMM to Ukraine was very important. “The work of the [OSCE] Special Monitoring Mission [to Ukraine], to which European Union Member States contribute more than two thirds in personnel and budget, is invaluable and must enjoy full, safe, unconditional and unhindered access throughout Ukraine in accordance with its mandate. Humanitarian access and protection for the civilian population and critical infrastructure must also be ensured," he noted.

As reported, a Normandy Four summit is to take place in Paris on December 9. The meeting will be attended by the leaders of four countries: Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany.

Photo credit: CLAUDIO ÁLVAREZ

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