OSCE Troika: Political dialogue in Ukraine to be opened asap

BELGRADE - The OSCE Troika comprising the foreign ministers of Serbia, Germany and Switzerland advocated on Tuesday the promotion of the political process in Ukraine, and called for the promptest possible implementation of the Minsk agreement and establishment of a political dialogue in this country.

OSCE Chairperson-in-office Ivica Dacic stated after the Troika meeting in Belgrade that the political dialogue should be established as soon as possible.

"It is crucial not to miss this opportunity for peace in Ukraine," Dacic said at a joint press conference with German and Swiss Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Didier Burkhalter respectively. He also announced that four working groups will be formed soon to deal with political, economic, security and humanitarian issues.

Minister Steinmeier urged the conflicting parties to put in practice everything that has been agreed as quickly as possible and establish demilitarized zones and trade relations between eastern Ukraine and Kiev.

The Swiss minister underlined that the work of the Trilateral Contact Group is vital for facilitation of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

DACIC: WE CONSIDER LIFTING OF SANCTIONS

Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic voiced hope on Tuesday that the situation in Ukraine would develop toward the establishing of peace, and lifting of sanctions, and noted that in terms of sanctions Serbia took a neutral stand.

When asked what would be Serbia's position in case sanctions to Russia over the Ukraine crisis become more severe, Dacic said:

"Serbia is not an EU member state. It is yet to open initial negotiation chapters. However, honoring its national interests, it has taken a...