Moscow, April 8 Russian President Putin talked with German Chancellor Merkel on the phone on the 8th to exchange views on the stability of the Donbas region, Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Libya in eastern Ukraine.
According to a message published on the Russian presidential website, Putin called attention to Ukraine’s provocative actions on the Donbas conflict because they “exacerbate tensions on the ground”.
He stressed the need for the Ukrainian authorities to strictly implement the previous agreements, establish a direct dialogue with civilian armed forces in eastern Ukraine, and thoroughly resolve the special status issue in the Donbass region from the legal level.
He called on all parties to exercise restraint and advance the negotiation process, and continue to use the Minsk ceasefire agreement as the basis for resolving the dispute.
Russia and Germany confirmed that through the “Normandy model” and other negotiation and communication methods, they closely coordinated and promoted the solution of the problem.
Turning to Syria, Putin stressed that measures such as providing help to Syria, rebuilding Syria’s socio-economic infrastructure and promoting the return of refugees to their homes cannot be politicized.
The two sides discussed the situation in the Balkans. Putin stressed the need to take further measures to implement the Dayton Peace Agreement signed in 1995 and ensure national harmony and social stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The two sides also welcomed the new Libyan government of national unity (i.e. the transitional government) to power.
