Putin notes to Merkel, Hollande fulfilment of Ukraine long-term ceasefire decision important

MOSCOW, July 3 (Itar-Tass) - Russian President Vladimir Putin noted in telephone talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande that it was important to fulfil the decision on the need for a long-term ceasefire reached by the foreign ministers of Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine in Berlin on Wednesday and on holding a next meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine no later than on July 5, the Kremlin press service reported on Thursday. “Results of the meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine in Berlin on July 2 and a joint statement they agreed on were assessed positively. Notably, the president noted that it was important to fulfil the statement’s provision on the need for a long-term ceasefire contained in the statement and on holding a next meeting of Contact Group on Ukraine no later than on July 5,” the Kremlin noted. The Russian leader noted that he was deeply concerned over growing casualties among civilians and a sharp rise in the number of refugees from southeast Ukraine to Russia. The leaders of the three countries called for a more active role of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the situation in the conflict zone. Learn more on itar-tass.com