Moscow-Sana
Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed developments in the situation in Syria and Libya, stressing the necessity of a ceasefire in Libya and the speedy resolution of the crisis there.
A statement issued by the Russian presidency after a telephone conversation between Putin and Merkel said that Putin and Merkel discussed the basic aspects of developments in the situation in Syria, including issues related to ensuring the humanitarian needs of the population.
The two sides expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Libya, stressing that there is no alternative to a ceasefire as soon as possible and the start of negotiations between the Libyans under the auspices of the United Nations.
The two sides also exchanged views on settling the conflict in southeast Ukraine, and expressed concern about the lack of progress in implementing the Minsk agreements to settle the Ukrainian crisis and the decisions of the Normandy Group 2019.
According to the statement, Putin and Merkel stressed the importance of activating the negotiating process in the framework of the contact group for the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis and the Normandy group alike.
The Russian President reiterated the importance of establishing a direct dialogue between the Ukrainian authorities and the unilaterally proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk Republics in the southeast of the country.
