Merkel, Macron expect Normandy format meeting will resolve situation in Donbas

Leaders of Germany and France hope that the planned meeting in “Normandy format” in Paris will help to resolve the conflict in Donbas.

This is stated in a joint Franco-German declaration following a meeting of the governments of the two countries in Toulouse, published on the website of the German government.

France and Germany cooperate for peace and stability and share the belief that democracy and international law are essential for making lasting solutions to complex crises affecting European security.

“We are welcoming the recent positive changes in the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and we are looking forward to the next meeting in “Normandy format” in Paris, which is supposed to make progress in resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine,” the declaration emphasizes.

In addition, the governments of France and Germany expressed their position regarding the illegality of the annexation of Crimea by Russia.

“We also reaffirm our commitment to continue dialogue with Russia on the basis of the general principles of the European Union, including arms control and non-proliferation [weapons of mass destruction – ed.],” the declaration said.

As The Journalist reported, the law on special status of Donbas will be developed after Normandy format meeting.