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German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday reiterated the importance of implementing the Minsk deal in solving the Ukraine conflict, and expressed willingness to address international challenges by working together with Russia.
Merkel, while addressing the Bundestag, lower house of the German parliament, said that ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine remains a goal of the German government.
She reiterated that the conflict in eastern Ukraine cannot be solved militarily. To find a solution to the crisis, it is important to fully implement the Minsk ceasefire agreement, said Merkel, urging a quick meeting of the three-party contact group comprised of representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
As another point of Germany's policy toward the Ukraine conflict, the chancellor mentioned the political and economic support of Ukraine.
"We also expect Ukraine to take decisive steps to modernize its economy, strengthen the rule of law and fight against corruption," she said.
Speaking about relations with Russia, Merkel pointed out that "the goal is and remains to secure the security in Europe together with Russia - not against Russia."
She expressed willingness to address the challenges for international security by cooperating with Russia, calling at the same time on Russia to take up the offer for dialogues on the basis of European peace order.
The chancellor also warned that sanctions against Russia remained "unavoidable" as long as the peace order is placed at risk, but stressed "sanctions were and are not an end in themselves." Enditem
