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1st LD Writethru: EU says sanctions over Ukraine crisis linked to Minsk deal implementation

Xinhua, March 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Union (EU)'s sanctions policy against Russia over the Ukraine crisis would be linked to the implementation of the Minsk agreement till the end of 2015, European leaders agreed on Thursday.

"The duration of sanctions will be clearly linked to full Minsk implementation by the end of year," European Council President Donald Tusk told a press conference following the first day of the EU's spring summit.

"One of the best ways of supporting Ukraine will be through upholding the sanctions pressure on Russia until we witness a full implementation of the Minsk Agreements," Tusk said before the summit.

"This must ultimately conclude in Ukraine regaining control of its borders as foreseen in the plan brokered by (French) President (Francois) Hollande and (German) Chancellor (Angela) Merkel," he said.

European leaders gathered here to hold the regular spring summit, with the development of the Energy Union, situation in Ukraine and relations with Russia and the EU's economic situation top on the agenda. Endit