Official speeches and statements - August 17, 2016

1. Ukraine - Telephone conversation between M. François Hollande, President of the Republic, the German Chancellor and the Ukrainian President - Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic (Paris - August 16, 2016)

The French President and Chancellor Merkel spoke to President Poroshenko today, at the latter’s request, to take stock of the situation in Ukraine.

The French President reiterated France’s steadfast position on Crimea’s illegal annexation, which cannot be recognized.

The French President also stressed the need to continue discussions in the framework of the Normandy Format in order to reach a peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine, involving the re-establishment of security, the implementation of a lasting ceasefire and the organization of elections in the framework of Ukrainian law and with due regard for international criteria.

As the parties have pledged, all the Minsk agreements must be respected and implemented as soon as possible.

The French President warned against any escalation which would make this objective more difficult to attain. In this context, he once again signaled France’s commitment and reiterated its readiness for a new meeting to be held in the Normandy Format.