MOSCOW. April 2 (Interfax) - Moscow views a statement by the German, Polish, and French foreign ministers on the situation in Ukraine as a belated acknowledgement of Russia's position on a number of issues but doubts that Brussels is really willing to adjust its own position in practice, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on a March 31 joint statement by the Weimar Triangle foreign ministers on the crisis in Ukraine.
"What is especially striking to the eye is the idea that Russia and the European Union should hold negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia regarding consequences of the conclusion of association agreements with the EU by the Eastern Partnership countries for all parties. That is, the original Russian proposal, which was made back in November 2013 and was flatly dismissed by the European Union, has in fact been supported now. As they say, better late than never! But it is a big question whether Brussels and the abovementioned Eastern Partnership countries are ready for this," it said.
"Even though it's a month too late and having 'stylized' a number of provisions, the ministries acting as the guarantors of the February 21 agreements between the Ukrainian government and the opposition leaders have in fact confirmed the viability of the key elements of this agreement. Namely, the call for the current authorities in Kyiv to ensure the formation of representative and inclusive government institutions in consent with all regions of Ukraine, the need for fair and just elections, and the importance of constitutional reforms," it said.
"Finally, it has been confirmed that it is important for the current leaders in Kyiv to comprehensively investigate human rights abuses in Ukraine, accelerate the disarmament of illegal groups, and distance themselves from extremists," the ministry said.
"The ministers have also recalled the disastrous situation in the Ukrainian economy," the ministry said. "Judging by the statement, our partners realize that it would be extremely difficult to significantly improve the situation without interaction with Russia," it said.