German FM calls for diplomatic solution to Ukrainian conflict

Visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged here on Friday all sides of the Ukrainian conflict to refrain from violence, calling a political settlement the only way out of the crisis.

"Further confrontation will not resolve this conflict. There is no military solution in this particular case," Steinmeier told the Kiev Security Forum held here.

He urged all relevant parties to strictly adhere to the Minsk peace agreements and avoid any move which could further escalate violence.

Besides, Steinmeier called on the Ukrainian government to conduct a dialogue with militants in the restive Lugansk and Donetsk regions in order to help ease the tensions and realize a comprehensive truce.

"A further dialogue, involving the civil society of Donbas, is also very important," Steinmeier said.

The conflict in the eastern Ukrainian regions started in April 2014, and has claimed over 7,000 lives, according to the latest official estimates.

Since the Minsk cease-fire agreement was clinched in February this year, which demanded a complete cease of hostilities, the withdrawal of heavy weapons and prisoner exchanges, the tensions in eastern Ukraine have eased significantly, but sporadic clashes are still occurring. Endi