Lavrov announces time and location for second round of Russia-Ukraine talks
According to webangah News Agency, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced today (Wednesday) that teh second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine will be held on Monday, June 2 in Istanbul, Turkey.
In a statement published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website, Lavrov stated: “The Russian side has prepared a memorandum of understanding in accordance with the agreed terms, which clearly and reliably outlines our position on all aspects of resolving the root causes of the crisis.”
Lavrov added: “Our delegation, headed by Vladimir Medinsky, aide to the president, is ready to present this memorandum to the ukrainian delegation and provide necesary explanations during the second round of direct negotiations scheduled for Monday in Istanbul.”
The minister emphasized: “We expect all those who sincerely – not just verbally – desire success for the peace process to support holding this new round of direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul.”
earlier, Medinsky, head of Russia’s negotiating team, had stated he contacted Ukrainian Defence Minister rustem Umerov to propose specific timing and location for exchanging memorandums.
The two delegations previously met in Istanbul on May 16 following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for “direct unconditional negotiations.”
Concluding his statement with thankfulness for Turkey’s facilitation efforts, Lavrov said: “I would like once again to express gratitude to our Turkish partners for their generous hospitality.”
