US Russia remain on different pages over Ukraine
Updated: 2014-04-23 16:16
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
Ukraine crisis |
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke over phone for the second time in two days in a bid to put a lid on the simmering tensions in the east of the Eastern European country.
The two conferred on the deployment of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observers and explored other possible measures, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a news release, adding they agreed to maintain communication on the issue.
However, the two global heavyweights are far from being on the same page, with Kerry voicing "deep concern" over what he called a "lack of positive Russian steps."
The US State Department said Kerry told Lavrov that "mounting evidence" shows that pro-Russia separatists were continuing to "increase the number of buildings under occupation and take journalists and other civilians captive."
"He urged Russia to tone down escalatory rhetoric, engage diplomatically in the east with the OSCE and Ukrainian government, and issue public statements calling for those occupying buildings to disarm and stand down in exchange for amnesty," said a senior official with the department.
Kerry also "reiterated that the absence of measurable progress on implementing the Geneva agreement will result in increased sanctions on Russia," added the official.
For his part, Lavrov stressed that Ukrainian authorities should take action as soon as possible to implement the Geneva deal and revoke the order to use military forces against civilians, said the Russian Foreign Ministry.
He also called on Kiev to disarm extreme nationalistic militants, release detained protesters and embark upon constitutional reform, according to the ministry.
As to the threat of sanctions, Lavrov said Monday that Washington should stop threatening Russia with sanctions over events in Ukraine while turning a blind eye to "atrocities" carried out by Ukrainian militants.
Any attempt to isolate Russia was bound to fail, as "isolation has never led anyone to anything," Lavrov told reporters after talks with Mozambican counterpart Oldemiro Baloi.
The United States, Russia, Ukraine and the European Union signed a statement in Geneva on April 17, urging all sides to refrain from violence, intimidation or provocative actions as part of initial steps to restore order in Ukraine.
The West and Kiev have repeatedly blamed Moscow for inciting the unrest and splitting the country, which was denied by Russia.
Related Stories
At least two killed in clash in east Ukraine, separatists say 5 dead 2014-04-20 20:01
Ukraine separatists stay put 2014-04-19 07:31
Ukraine govt mulls constitutional reform 2014-04-19 02:48
China welcomes Ukraine deal 2014-04-18 19:56
Hollande, Merkel, Van Rompuy discuss situation in Ukraine 2014-04-18 17:32
Three dead in east Ukraine, Putin warns of "abyss" 2014-04-17 20:13
Today's Top News
Celebrities give thoughts on World Book Day
France on fine line over deficit-cut
Town 'Kill Jews' mulls name change
133 could face prostitution charges
Xiamen to boost tourism from Europe
Premier Li promotes wider market access
China cancels 14,455 press cards
Google Glass 'works' to bolster image
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Beijing integrates with Tianjin, Hebei |
Enemies share eternity together |
Expats flee big, smoggy cities |
Life after an only child dies |
Parents put kindergartens to the test |
White Crane dance takes flight |