Donetsk, Nov22 – DAN. DPR representatives in the Contact Group political subgroup hope that the 23 November session in the Belarussian capital will yield positive changes, a diplomat told Donetsk News Agency on Tuesday.
“We hope for positive changes in the work on November 23, as all parties understand the need for adopting a negotiation protocol, essential for making progress,” said acting DPR Foreign Minister Natalia Nikonorova who represents DPR in the working group on the political issues.
During the previous subgroup's meeting the participants were unable to agree even on the agenda, thus showing an urgent need for adopting an effective protocol. In this connection, the Contact Group endorsed the next meeting agenda, she said.
“The Steinmeier formula will be given priority at the upcoming meeting; after reaching a recorded consensus on enactment procedure for the law on special status of our territories, the group can use it as a basis to discuss other issues from the political package,” Nikanorova said.
Following the political subgroup meeting in Minsk on 9 November, Nikanorova said the Donbass political talks were deadlocked, as Ukraine had refused to discuss the Steinmeier formula and the Minsk 2 road map.
She described the talks as moving in a vicious circle which could be overcome with clear-cut methods of work, recording of the results of each session and Ukraine’s mandatory presentation of its official position.
The political subgroup is meeting in Minsk on 23 November. Economic, humanitarian and security subgroups talks are scheduled as well, to be followed by a summary from the Contact Group.