Normandy Four foreign ministers voice ‘deep concern’ over worsening violence in Donbas

The Normandy Four foreign ministers have reiterated their full commitment to the Minsk agreements.

The “Normandy Four” foreign ministers of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany have called for the withdrawal of tanks and weapons of calibers less than 100mm out of range of the front line in eastern Ukraine by June 26, according to a joint statement after they met on Tuesday, Ukrainian online newspaper RBK-Ukraine reported on Wednesday, with reference to the press service of the Foreign Ministry of France.

According to the statement, the Normandy Four foreign ministers have reiterated their full commitment to the Minsk agreements. The countries also expressed "deep concern" over the deteriorating situation in the Donbas.

In addition, the ministers emphasized the role of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the OSCE in the preparation for and conducting of local elections.

The Normandy Four foreign ministers also urged parties to the conflict to carry out a full withdrawal of heavy weapons and a further de-escalation in the village of Shyrokyne in Donetsk region. They also stressed the need for OSCE observers to be allowed unfettered access to all areas and the removal of barriers to the delivery of aid by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The ministers also called for a prisoner exchange on the “all for all” principle.