U.S. Says Ukraine Deal 'Potentially Significant', U.N. Urges Action
The United States cautiously welcomed a brokered ceasefire in the 10-month war between Ukraine and pro-Moscow rebels Thursday, but insisted the deal must be implemented and honored.
"The agreement represents a potentially significant step toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict and the restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty," the White House said in a statement.
The deal was negotiated between leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine after marathon talks that ended early Thursday.
The ceasefire is due to take effect on February 15.
It would create a 50 kilometer (30 miles) buffer zone and force the withdrawal of troops and heavy artillery from the front line, under the eye of monitors from the OSCE.
The White House said Russia must now "end its support for the separatists and withdraw its soldiers and military equipment from eastern Ukraine."
"The true test of today's accord will be in its full and unambiguous implementation," the White House said.
That would include "the durable end of hostilities and the restoration of Ukrainian control over its border with Russia," President Barack Obama's administration said.
The agreement comes amid a fresh wave of hostilities on the ground that could call the deal into question even before the ink is dry.
The White House said it was "particularly concerned about the escalation of fighting today, which is inconsistent with the spirit of the accord."
Later on Thursday, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on Russia and Ukraine to follow through on the ceasefire and other commitments to end the 10-month war in east Ukraine.
Ban said he "expects the commitments which have been made in Minsk will be respected by the parties," his spokesman said in a statement.
The U.N. chief urged all sides to "ensure that a genuine and lasting ceasefire will commence on February 15 as agreed, paving the way for a broader political settlement of the conflict, based on the Minsk accords."
The United Nations stands ready to help, Ban said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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