JEAN MARC AYRAULT MEETS HIS COUNTERPARTS OF FORMAT NORMANDIE & SET A NEW AGENDA

USPA NEWS - We met this evening in the format called "Normandy" to review the proposals that have been submitted by the OSCE. These discussions focused on three specific points that made the agenda tonight, explains the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Marc Ayrault, last week.

We met this evening in the format called "Normandy" to review the proposals that have been submitted by the OSCE. These discussions focused on three specific points that made the agenda tonight: the consolidation of a cease-fire effective, terms of local elections in the Donbass and securing these elections." Explains the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Marc Ayrault. These proposals were discussed at the last ministerial meeting, held in Munich in early February. The discussions were held in a live environment, where frank words of each were made without jargon, but have advanced a number of key issues. FIRST STEP IS THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE CEASE FIRE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The French Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean Marc Ayrault, explained the three important steps according to the "Format Normandie" process, as "First, the consolidation of the cease-fire: there are several issues to consider. First, the cease-fire itself also requires the removal of weapons. We called on the parties to publicly reaffirm their commitment to refrain from any use of weapons in the security zone, including for training purposes. In this regard, we welcomed the agreement reached yesterday in Minsk as part of the trilateral contact group and have called for its speedy implementation. We called on the parties to provide all necessary information for monitoring and effective verification by OSCE withdrawal of all heavy weapons, without delay. We also called on the parties to complete the withdrawal of heavy weapons. I have mentioned several times in this intervention; this was one of the topics of this discussion, which ultimately went well. Regarding now the effective monitoring, control and coordination of the cease-fire, commitments were also taken. We called on the parties to ensure the SMMO (Special Monitoring Mission of Observation to Ukraine), the Special Mission of the OSCE observation in Ukraine, a complete and unrestricted access. We called that the JCCC, joint center for control and coordination, can identify those responsible for violations and ensure that are taken the necessary steps to prevent the act again.------------------------------ *JCCC was established by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

CALL FOR RESOLUTION MECHANISM BY 30 APRIL 2016------------------------------------------------------------------------- We called for the establishment, by 30 April 2016, in connection with the SUMO of the OSCE, an incident prevention and resolution mechanism. As regards, finally, humanitarian and socio-economic, we welcome the agreement reached yesterday, also in Minsk on demining, and we called for its speedy and full implementation. We called for unrestricted access, without hindrance of international humanitarian assistance to civilians in need in areas affected by the conflict. So far, much of the NGO no longer has access: it was important that a commitment is made on this issue tonight. We further called for the release and exchange of all prisoners and all those held illegally by April 30, 2016. Access to the International Red Cross to all detainees linked to conflict should also be guaranteed." Explains the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Marc Ayrault.

TERMS OF LOCAL ELECTIONS IN THE DONBASS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I approach the second major theme: the terms of the holding of local elections in the Donbass.------------------------------------- We reviewed the proposals prepared by the OSCE concerning in particular the electoral system, election administration and the role and participation of political parties. We stressed the importance of the development and adoption of an electoral law by the parliament and the Ukrainian government to allow the holding of local elections and we hope that these elections take place before the end of first half of 2016, according to the sequence adopted by the heads of State and Government in Paris on 2 October. Ministers discussed compromise solutions on how to organize these elections. Moreover, proposals were made by the political working group of the OSCE and we reaffirmed the importance of respecting the electoral Ukrainian law and international standards for the organization of these elections. AGENDA OF SECURING THE ELECTIONS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finally, the third topic to the agenda of our discussions this evening: securing the elections. On this point, we called on the OSCE to provide, by 31 March concrete options practices, for adequate security for the elections; security that is primarily, indeed, the responsibility of the parties but at the same time, we considered that it could not be any elections if security was not assured. As you observe, these discussions were relatively long but detailed discussions that took place tonight were, again, in a frank and direct climate and with a willingness to move forward, even if we do not move forward not to. We have made progress on concrete points, and that was my goal. We avoided, as I said, to rewrite history. We left the Minsk agreements, this is somehow our roadmap and we need to achieve an effective result, remain highly mobilized. Anyway, that is my belief tonight." Continues the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Marc Ayrault.

RUSSIA AND UKRAINE HAVE TO PLAY THEIR FULL PART IN THE SUCCESS-----------------------------------------------The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Marc Ayrault confused by establishing a clear roadmap by setting objectives and a timeline.OBJECTIVES AND TIMELINE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We have set a number of objectives and a work schedule for the coming weeks to continue to work within the "Format Normandie" because it is the right method. At the same time, every time, we must take the next step. Nothing would be worse than to meet for nothing, which is not the case tonight. Our goal - in any case, was that of Frank-Walter Steinmeier and myself to be on route to Kiev a few days ago - to find solutions to this very difficult conflict. Russia and Ukraine are to play their full part in the success of these commitments. We know there is still much work to do in this direction and for the success of the process, but we are confident because there's a will, in any case there is a willingness by organizing this meeting paris - there will surely be others. Anyway tonight we took a step. We still have to cross, but it is the right way, that is the right path and we will continue with the utmost firmness and clarity.thank you“ Concludes the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Marc Ayrault. See also article : NORMANDY FORMAT IS BACK ON TABLE OF NEGOTIATING TO REACH CEASEFIRE IN UKRAINE A SUMMIT IN PARIS SOON - See more at: http://www.uspa24.com/bericht-5091/normandy-format-is-back-on-table-of-negotiating-to-reach-ceasefire-in-ukraine.html#sthash.vlXMEYKa.dpuf See also article : FRANCOIS HOLLANDE & ANGELA MERKEL HELD TALKS WITH UKRAINIAN & RUSSIAN PRESIDENTS NORMANDY FORMAT REACTIVATED - See more at: http://www.uspa24.com/bericht-5238/francois-hollande-und-angela-merkel-held-talks-with-ukrainian-und-russian-presidents.html#sthash.qKKtm5U4.dpuf