Donetsk, Feb 9 - DAN. The Minsk format of Donbass peace talks has not lived up to expectations so far, DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko said on Friday ahead of the 3rd anniversary of the signing of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
“Minsk (peace process) has not lived up to hopes and expectations,” Zakharchenko said adding that nevertheless, it has no alternatives at present as the platform for a peaceful settlement.
The Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements was signed in the Belarussian capital on 12 February 2015. It envisioned immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Donbass starting 15 February 2015, withdrawal of heavy weapons, establishment of security zones, discussion of the modalities for the resumption of payment of pensions and allowances to DPR and LPR citizens, and constitutional reform in Ukraine which should result in deep decentralisation.
Over the past three years, Ukraine has not fully implemented any provision of the Package of Measures, going out of its way to hamper the process and showing unwillingness to promote the Donbass peace dialogue.*jk