G7 urges parties to refrain over Ukraine crisis

The G7 group issued a joint statement on Friday, urged all parties to refrain from complicating the situation in Ukraine and threatened to punish those who violate a ceasefire package agreed in Minsk on Thursday.

The statement said G7 group welcomed the package which offered "a the prospect of a comprehensive, lasting and peaceful solution to the crisis," but remained concerned about the situation in Ukraine.

"We called on all sides to comply strictly with the provision of the package and to immediately carry out measures provided therein, starting with a ceasefire on February 15," said the statement posted on German government's website, adding that all parties should in the coming days refrain from acts which would complicate the beginning of the ceasefire.

In the statement, the G7 group, which includes Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, threatened to "take appropriate action against those who violate the Minsk package, and thus increase the cost for them, especially against those who do not comply with the agreed comprehensive ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons."

The countries also said they welcomed the financial support agreement signed between the International Monetary Fund and Ukraine on Thursday and would provide available financial aid to Ukraine.

Germany currently holds the G7 Presidency and will host the annual meeting of heads of state and government on June 7 and 8 in 2015. Endit