Tillerson told why Ukraine has appointed a special representative from the United States.
USA stated disappointment at the lack of progress in the negotiation process on settlement of the situation in the East of Ukraine, and therefore was appointed special representative in Ukraine Kurt Volker.
This was stated by U.S. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on Sunday, July 9.
Representative Walker will coordinate activities with the “Norman Quartet” and the Russian government in order to see whether it is possible to accelerate progress in the negotiations, said Tillerson. Also, the Secretary again emphasized that the US advocate for the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“The United States has contributed more than $ 600 million since the beginning of this crisis. We also believe that it is very important to ensure the safety of all citizens of Ukraine regardless of their ethnic or national origin, or religion,” he said.
At the same time, U.S. Secretary of state noted that during the discussions with the Russian leadership already talked about the fact that Moscow needs to take the first step to resolve the situation in the East of Ukraine, namely to cease fire and withdraw heavy weapons to the OSCE observers could do their job.
Walker will remain in Ukraine for a few days in order to solve the issues of bilateral cooperation, which was announced during a briefing by the President of Ukraine. He also expressed the hope that the experience of Walker and his determination to accelerate the negotiation process and will allow to count on the implementation of the Minsk agreements by Russia.
“I am very grateful that after the appointment, literally in a few hours with you in the delegation Kurt Volker. Welcome, and thank you for your decision that he stays with us for a few days so we didn’t hang the issue, tightened it, and immediately after several hours after the appointment started effective cooperation”, – said Poroshenko during the press briefing.
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