High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has said the European Union has said the so-called "Steinmeier formula" is a step that could lead to some progress toward the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.
"In recent weeks, we have witnessed some important developments in the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group. The outcome of the Trilateral Contact Group meeting in Minsk on October 1, on the so-called Steinmeier formula, is a step that could hopefully lead to some progress towards the full implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties," she said at the European Parliament plenary debate on the situation in Ukraine on October 9, 2019.
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According to the official, it should be clear that the Minsk agreements remain central to reaching a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, to end the fighting and the suffering of so many people.
"It is crucial to sustain the progress in disengagement and constructing the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska. And we need a lasting ceasefire, towards the ultimate goal of restoring Ukraine's control of its whole territory," she said.
"We have never stopped supporting the work of the Normandy format, the Trilateral Contact Group, and the OSCE. And we will continue to do so until Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully restored," Mogherini said.
The diplomat said Ukraine's strength and resilience is a core interest of the European Union.
"At the same time, we should never forget that Ukraine is still suffering a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Crimea is Ukraine, Donbas is Ukraine. And the European Union will continue to keep this position in the most unequivocal and united manner."
"Through the years, we have never stopped working for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. We have always managed to keep our unity on this, and I can tell you that five years ago, there were many that were betting on this: in the first place for it not to be possible; and then for it not to be possible to keep it. We have always managed to keep our unity on this, and I am proud of it because this was and still is the right thing to do. And I am sure that we will continue to keep our unity in the years to come," Mogherini added.