Ukraine
Comment: The Treaty of Minsk is dead. Long live Minsk!
A year after the Treaty of Minsk remains the path to peace in the East of Ukraine is complicated. The agreements are not implemented. But this is currently not the only Problem, writes Bernd Johann.
They signed the agreement in Minsk (v. li.): Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel, Francois Hollande, Petro Poroshenko
Actually, should long cease-fire in Eastern Ukraine will prevail. However, in the pro-Russian separatists-areas is further shot. It is difficult, from a “frozen” conflict to speak of, as long as every week people die. Still have international observers, as well as auxiliaries, is not unfettered and complete access to the Region. As before, heavy weapons immediately ready to fight. And the Nachschubwege of the separatists across the border from Russia are open like barn doors.
No Yielding on all sides
It would be a roadmap to peace. In thirteen points, he is detained. A year ago, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande with Petro Poroshenko and Vladimir Putin, the President of the Ukraine and Russia, the so-called Normandy Format will be negotiated. But virtually none of the agreements reached at that time in the Belarusian capital Minsk were taken, has been implemented.
Bernd Johann heads the Ukrainian editorial office of DW
Until today, neither side willing to back down. The Ukraine as a victim of Russia’s controlled Aggression is the understandably difficult. According to the regulations of Minsk would have their economic and Finanzblockade to give up and the Region in the context of a decentralisation of rights to grant. A political majority is in Kiev but not in sight.
At the same time, would have free elections in the occupied territories take place, the international observers of the OSCE, to monitor. These are neither separatists nor Moscow is willing. Also the return of the control of the border with Russia to the Ukraine is rejected. Here, the agreement of Minsk just before.
Pragmatism instead of Resignation
Is the contract so failed? The participating politicians will continue to use the process, as if to say: The Treaty of Minsk is dead. Long live the Treaty of Minsk! You can cynicism be seen. But the insistence on Minsk is rather an expression of pragmatism. He must politics and diplomacy – the search for solutions in seemingly hopeless conflict.
Minsk is the only one political common denominator that the parties to the conflict a year ago. Russia criticized again and again the Western sanctions. But the evidence that it is for the implementation of the Minsk agreements, employ, looking, so far in vain.
No trust in Russia
At the Munich security conference this weekend could be a new diplomatic attempt to end the violence in Donbass has to be made. It would be high time. In October last year, the heads of state and government of the Normandy Format to last Time taken. Since then, it has only spoken on the phone. Also, the foreign Ministers came in their subsequent conversations no further.
It is completely missing on mutual trust. Therefore, the agreement in Minsk on the spot. Responsibility for the conflict, the Kremlin has until today not taken. With the means of disinformation and without any regard to international law and other diplomatic agreements leads to Russia for two years, a covert and never declared war against the Ukraine. This makes a solution now so difficult. Because no one knows if Moscow is the agreement of Minsk at all committed. The doubt can only be Russia itself clear out.
What do you say? Can from the agreement of Minsk is still something to be? We look forward to your comment right here below the Text.