Steinmeier, on situation in Ukraine: Road to political solution, still full of obstacles

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday said in reference to the situation in Ukraine that the road to a political solution to the conflict in the region is still one "full of obstacles" and efforts still need to be made in this respect.

Photo credit: (c) Simion MECHNO / AGERPRES PHOTO

He also said that the situation in the east of Ukraine will continue to be a matter of concern "for a long time ahead," and, even if the violent elements of the conflict have been reduced, the truce must be still "supported."

"The road to a political solution is still one full of obstacles and efforts still need to be made in this respect," Steinmeier added, in a joint press conference with Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Bodgan Aurescu held in Bucharest.

The German official announced that the OSCE mission in the east of Ukraine will be extended, the number of observers will increase and the mission length will be prolonged.

"It is important that OSCE is allowed to control and check those positive evolutions. (...) The conflicting sides had to be persuaded that the OSCE cannot limit only to the withdrawal of the heavy weaponry and the monitoring of this phenomenon, but it is important to also know the destination of this heavy weaponry," Frank Steinmeier pointed out.

The Romanian Foreign Minister, Bogdan Aurescu, reiterated the importance Romania grants to the full implementing of the agreements of Minsk.

"From the Romanian side's point of view (...) it is very important that these arrangements are observed and the sanctions regime be maintained until the full implementing of the agreements of Minsk. If necessary, the European Union will always have at its disposal new sanctions, in case, let us say, a resumption...