Poroshenko declares need for intl presence in Donbas

"This is why it is important to combine them [the sanctions against Russia] with a broad and efficient international presence in Donbas to help implement the Minsk peace plan as soon as possible," the Ukrainian president's press service has quoted Poroshenko as saying. The sanctions against Russia will be a too long acting instrument and they should also be supported for the sake of peace in Donbas, the president said. Poroshenko said that the peaceful resolution of the Donbas conflict required "local elections in Donbas in keeping with Ukrainian laws and OSCE standards and restoration of full control over the Ukrainian border with Russia." The president added that it was important not to put the 'Crimea matter' on the back burner and to use an international mechanism for its resolution.