Poroshenko, Merkel, Hollande discuss Donbas, necessary steps

"The Ukrainian head of state stressed the unacceptability of violating ceasefire by Russian mercenaries and denying access by OSCE [Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe] monitors to facilities in the occupied areas and the non-controlled part of the Russian-Ukrainian border," the Ukrainian president's press office said on Wednesday evening. The three countries' leaders discussed further steps toward implementation of the Minsk agreements, in particular, efforts to agree on the modalities of conducting local elections in the separate districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in accordance with the Ukrainian laws" and preparation for renewal by Ukraine of full control over the border." In this context, Poroshenko stressed the importance of all steps envisioned under the Minsk agreements being tied to specific dates in 2016, after Russia stopped honoring its part of the obligations, the press office said.