Donetsk, Nov 8 – DAN. DPR political subgroup representatives in Minsk hope that Kiev has had time to review the results of the Normandy Four meeting and are expecting successful talks on Wednesday, a diplomat told Donetsk News Agency.
“The agenda of the upcoming meeting in Minsk includes the Steinmeier’s formula which spells out the procedure for Donbass special status coming into effect,” said DPR envoy to political working subgroup, acting Foreign Minister Natalia Nikonorova.
“At their meeting on 19 October 2016, Normandy Four leaders reconfirmed this formula as a priority for discussion and implementation by the parties to the conflict,” Nikonorova said. “We hope that the Ukrainian representatives have had time to familiarize themselves with the Normandy Four meeting results and the key guidelines for work, which will ensure productive talks.”
The DPR foreign minister reminded that the Steinmeier’s formula was developed in Paris on 2 October 2015 as the best option to break the impasse that occurred due to the blocked lawbill on special status.
Steinmeier ‘s formula outlines the principles of implementation of the Ukrainian law “On local self-government order in certain areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk region”. According to the German Foreign Minister plan, the law should be enforced on the day of local elections on a temporary basis, and permanently upon OSCE publishing its report on the elections outcome.
The political subgroup is to meet in Minsk on November 9. Consultations will also be held by the subgroups on humanitarian, economic and security issues and a summary of the talks will follow.