UKRAINE-CRISIS/LAVROV Russia's Lavrov says fresh fighting in east Ukraine stalls peace talks

Record ID: 150013

  • Title: UKRAINE-CRISIS/LAVROV Russia's Lavrov says fresh fighting in east Ukraine stalls peace talks
  • Date: 3rd June 2015
  • Summary: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (JUNE 3, 2015) (REUTERS) VARIOUS EXTERIORS OF HOTEL, VENUE OF MEETING OF SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION COUNCIL OF MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SERGEI LAVROV WALKING TOWARD PODIUM AHEAD OF NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, SERGEI LAVROV, SAYING: "The most important thing is to see the whole picture and
  • Embargoed: 18th June 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA7VQZFR9DT8NYWU1RNPL9WSYHS
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday (June 3) those responsible for a fresh outbreak of fighting in east Ukraine aimed at stalling progress in peace talks to solve the conflict that has claimed more than 6,100 lives.
    Asked to comment on reports from Ukraine of the most serious battles in months that took place between Kiev troops and pro-Russian rebels on Wednesday, Lavrov told a news conference:
    "Those who are trying to aggravate the military situation on the contact line - whoever they are - willingly or unwillingly pursue the goal of preventing progress on talks in all key areas, most importantly political, economic and humanitarian aspects of fulfilling the Minsk agreements."
    "As long as people are busy with fighting, there is an excuse not to deal with political reforms," he said, pointing his finger on Kiev, which Russia accuses of stalling political reforms agreed along with a ceasefire last February.
    Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists on Wednesday fought their first serious battles in months and Ukraine's defense minister said an attempt by rebels to take the eastern town of Maryinka had been thwarted.
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